WASHINGTON

Trump briefed on London attack, calls it 'big news'

Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — President Trump's spoke to British Prime Minister Theresa May Wednesday following a shooting outside the U.K. Parliament building that killed at least 4 people and injured 40 others, calling it "big news" after being briefed about the incident by his national security adviser.

"We obviously condemn today's attack on Westminster, which the United Kingdom is treating as an act of terrorism," White House press secretary Sean Spicer said. He applauded the response of British law enforcement officials and promised U.S. support.

President Trump speaks during a "Women in Healthcare" panel at the White House Wednesday. His appearance was delayed because of a briefing on the U.K. Parliament shooting incident.

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster informed Trump of the shooting shortly after news of the incident broke, and "will receive further updates as information comes in," said Michael Anton, a spokesman for the National Security Council.

Trump told reporters that the briefing caused him to run 24 minutes late for a scheduled appearance at a "Women in Healthcare" meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House.