New Delhi, May 25 -- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche asked a federal court on Sunday (May 25) to allow construction of the proposed White House ballroom to continue, arguing that a recent shooting near the White House highlights the urgent need for enhanced presidential security infrastructure.

In a court filing, Blanche said the incident demonstrated why the administration considers the ballroom project essential to national security.

"This second attack on the President this month underscores the critical need for top level, state of the art security at the White House, including the Ballroom," Blanche wrote.

He described the ballroom as a "knitted, unified, cohesive part of the East Wing Project" that is "vital for National Sec...