After Gunshots Echo at Washington Dinner, Trump Is Rushed to Safety

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TLDR

  • Shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night
  • President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were evacuated and were not hurt
  • A Secret Service officer was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest
  • Suspect Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, is in custody and told authorities he was targeting Trump officials
  • The dinner was cancelled but Trump said it will be rescheduled within 30 days

(SeaPRwire) –   At least half a dozen shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night. President Donald Trump was quickly removed from the event by Secret Service agents.

The shooting occurred around 8:35pm ET at the Washington Hilton. The shots were discharged near a security checkpoint in the lobby, not within the ballroom where the dinner was being held.

Trump was seated at the main table with First Lady Melania Trump when Secret Service agents entered the room. The banquet table was cleared within two minutes.

Vice President JD Vance was also present at the event and was safely evacuated. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were among other senior officials who were escorted out through emergency exits.

One Secret Service officer sustained a gunshot wound at close range. He was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to make a full recovery.

Suspect Identified

The individual apprehended has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California. He was subdued by Secret Service personnel at the scene. According to CBS News, he informed authorities that his intention was to target Trump officials.

Allen was in possession of multiple firearms, as confirmed by Trump. FBI agents and police are currently investigating an address in Torrance, California. He is anticipated to face formal charges in court on Monday.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer had exited the ballroom and was near the lobby when the shots were fired. A police officer pushed him to the ground and moved him to a secure location. Blitzer reported witnessing officers apprehend the gunman.

Approximately 2,600 attendees were present at the dinner. Many sought cover under tables when the gunfire erupted. Members of the National Guard and other law enforcement agencies converged on the area outside the hotel, with helicopters circling overhead.

Trump Addresses Press After Evacuation

Trump held an impromptu press conference in the James Brady Press Room at the White House shortly after 10:30pm. He was still attired in his tuxedo and was accompanied by FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Trump stated that he initially believed he heard a tray fall before realizing it was gunfire. He commended the Secret Service for their swift response.

On Truth Social, Trump indicated that he had suggested the dinner proceed but would adhere to law enforcement directives. The event was ultimately called off.

Trump announced that a rescheduled dinner would take place within 30 days. White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang confirmed that all individuals were safe and that the event would be rescheduled.

The Washington Hilton was also the location of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

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