Panic and confusion erupted at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner late Saturday night after gunshots were fired inside the venue, forcing the evacuation of Donald Trump and hundreds of high-profile guests.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton, where journalists, diplomats, politicians and celebrities had gathered for one of the most prominent events on the US political calendar.
According to authorities, a lone suspect identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California has been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple federal charges.
Gunfire was reported shortly after the dinner had begun, sending attendees scrambling for safety. Witnesses described scenes of fear as guests ducked under tables while security agents moved swiftly to secure the room.
Reporters recounted hearing “low thudding sounds” followed by shattering glass before realizing shots had been fired. Within seconds, people were diving to the floor.
“We all crawled under our table for what felt like a long time,” another journalist reported, describing the tense moments as security teams assessed the threat.
President Trump, attending the dinner for the first time since returning to office, was quickly rushed out by Secret Service agents. He later confirmed that an armed individual had attempted to breach security.
“One officer was shot at very close range, but thankfully the bullet-proof vest saved him,” Trump told reporters after the incident. He added that the suspect had been armed with multiple weapons.
Authorities confirmed the injured Secret Service officer is in stable condition and receiving treatment.
According to Washington police, the suspect was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. Investigators say he was a registered guest at the hotel and had managed to approach a secured area before being intercepted.
Muriel Bowser confirmed that the suspect is currently hospitalized under police custody. Officials emphasized that there is no indication of additional attackers and that the situation is under control.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect will be formally charged in federal court on Monday. Preliminary charges include using a firearm during a violent crime and assault on federal officers.
The response of the United States Secret Service has been widely praised. Its director commended agents for acting decisively to neutralize the threat and protect attendees.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed relief that no fatalities were reported and thanked first responders for their rapid intervention.
The White House Correspondents’ Association confirmed the dinner has been cancelled and will be rescheduled within 30 days.
Guests were gradually evacuated after being held inside the ballroom for about an hour as security teams secured the premises.
The incident carries chilling historical parallels. The Washington Hilton is the same location where Ronald Reagan was shot in an assassination attempt in 1981.
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Saturday’s shooting also marks the latest in a series of security scares surrounding President Trump in recent years, raising renewed concerns about political violence in the United States.
Trump: ‘No Country Is Immune’
Speaking after the incident, Trump acknowledged the risks associated with public office.
“I can’t imagine there’s any profession that’s more dangerous,” he said, adding that “no country is immune” from political violence.
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage to determine how the suspect was able to bypass initial security layers. Investigations remain ongoing.
