Pakistan, April 27 -- On Saturday, reporters and senior officials had gathered for the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner when the room was ripped open by sharp cracks. A gunman, armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives, rushed a security checkpoint before being tackled by law enforcement. Guests dived under tables as agents shouted orders and panic moved through the ballroom. Within minutes, a gala built on jokes and political theatre carried the fear of a mass shooting.

Thankfully, US President Donald Trump, the first lady, the vice president and cabinet officials were safe. The suspect was taken into custody and expected to face federal charges, including assault, discharging a firearm and attempting to kill a fed...