Gunfire erupted during a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by President Trump in Washington D.C. on Saturday, leading to the suspect’s arrest and an agent’s injury.
Trump Evacuated During Shooting
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the individual who opened fire during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was apprehended, praising the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response.
President Trump was evacuated by the Secret Service from the dinner at the Hilton hotel in Washington D.C. when shots were fired. The suspect, armed with a shotgun, pistol, and multiple knives, was apprehended by authorities.
Chaos at White House Dinner
Shortly after the start of the White House Correspondents’ Association gala, shots rang out as President Trump was on stage. First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other cabinet members were also evacuated during the incident, which was broadcast live on television.
Hundreds of journalists and politicians, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, were present. Guests sought cover under tables in the ballroom.
Suspect in Custody, Trump Responds
The suspect was taken into custody. President Trump later posted on his Truth Social account confirming the arrest and again commending the Secret Service and law enforcement.
“What an evening in D.C. Secret Service and law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter was caught and I suggested: LET THE SHOW GO ON, but that will be totally directed by law enforcement. They will make a decision soon. Regardless of the decision, this evening will definitely be different than planned and we will just have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote.
All Members of Trump’s Party Safe
In a subsequent post, Trump stated that the First Lady, Vice President, and all other members of his cabinet were “in excellent condition.”
“Law enforcement asked that we leave the premises, per protocol, which we will do immediately,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that he would soon hold a press conference at the White House. He also announced the gala would be rescheduled.
Secret Service Agent Injured
During a press conference, President Trump revealed the suspect was armed with multiple weapons. Police reported the suspect possessed a shotgun, pistol, and several knives and likely acted alone. The suspect was hospitalized for evaluation. Initial findings indicate the suspect was a hotel guest, with their motive currently unknown.
Trump also stated the Secret Service agent shot during the incident is in good condition. An FBI representative confirmed the suspect attempted to breach security and fired at the agent, who was wearing a bulletproof vest and was transported to the hospital. The agent’s life is not in danger.
Trump Calls Suspect a “Lunatic”
The President described the suspect as a “lunatic” and stated he believes the suspect acted alone. The Associated Press identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, who had rented a room at the hotel.
When asked if he believed he was the target, Donald Trump replied, “I think so.” He added there were no security warnings prior to the gala. Trump, his administration, and the journalists present at the conference were still in their evening attire.
Trump also stated the incident would not deter him from pursuing a conflict with Iran, though he did not believe the two events were connected.
The President posted images on Truth Social of the suspect lying on the floor and a video of the suspect going through security, with law enforcement in pursuit. The suspect did not reach the ballroom.
“He was shooting as he was lying on the ground, I was right next to him,” CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer said. “The shots were so loud, so frightening, we were all scared. We had no idea what was going on.”
The gala was held at the Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., the same location where an attempt was made on President Ronald Reagan’s life in 1981.