A shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington D.C. on Saturday night, with authorities indicating Donald Trump was likely the intended target.
Shooting at Trump Dinner; Suspect Apprehended
A man opened fire in the lobby of the hotel hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner late Saturday night. The suspect was apprehended by security forces before reaching the ballroom.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other administration officials were immediately evacuated by the Secret Service.
Targeting of Trump Administration Confirmed
Todd Blanche reported Sunday that the assailant likely intended to kill members of Donald Trump’s administration, and potentially the president himself.
The acting Attorney General stated the suspect appeared to have specifically targeted individuals working within the administration, including possibly the President.
Suspect’s Travel and Background
The suspect, reportedly 31-year-old Cole from Torrance, California, allegedly traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, then to Washington D.C.
He was found to be in possession of a shotgun, pistol, and multiple knives. The suspect was a guest at the hotel where the event was held and is a graduate of the California Institute of Technology, having studied engineering.
International Condemnation
Leaders from the European Union and Ukraine condemned the shooting. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke with Trump to express her solidarity.
Global Outcry Against the Attack
France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Japan, India, and the United Arab Emirates also expressed opposition to the attack, with the UAE’s Foreign Ministry calling it a “condemnable crime.”
The article is being updated.