Panic ensued at the White House Correspondent’s Association dinner on Saturday night after loud bangs were heard, leading security forces to act immediately; President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were then quickly escorted to safety from the venue.
According to officials, a gunman attempted to breach the security perimeter near the event’s main screening area. An FBI official stated that the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent; however, the bullet struck the agent’s protective vest, and the agent sustained no injuries.
As the sound of gunfire rang out, dinner attendees froze in their tracks; moments later, screams of “Get down! Get down!” echoed throughout the hall. Hundreds of guests took cover under tables, while heavily armed Secret Service agents rapidly stormed into the dining room.
White House Correspondent’s Association Dinner
Donald Trump and Melania were seen ducking behind the stage; moments later, security agents swiftly whisked them away. Approximately 2,600 people were present at the venue, and many took cover to save their lives amidst the ensuing chaos. Eyewitnesses reported that waiters fled toward the front of the hall, while security personnel, as a precautionary measure, forced several senior officials, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Doug Burgum, and Marco Rubio, to lie flat on the ground.
Later, as security teams conducted a sweep of the entire premises, top Cabinet members were evacuated one by one. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that Donald Trump, the First Lady, the Vice President, and all Cabinet members were completely safe. Spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi stated that the agency is investigating the shooting incident that occurred near the venue’s entrance.
Approximately one hour after the incident, Donald Trump posted on ‘Truth Social’ stating that “the shooter has been caught,” and he heaped praise on the security forces. He wrote, “It was quite an eventful evening in DC tonight; the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies did a magnificent job.” Later, he also added that everyone is “completely safe and sound.”
Trump also mentioned that he had initially suggested continuing with the dinner, “LET THE SHOW GO ON“, but ultimately deferred to the judgment of law enforcement agencies. He confirmed that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days and also announced that he would soon address a press conference from the White House Press Briefing Room. Fox News and New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz reported that the suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California.
“The individual who attempted to open fire at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner is 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California; he has been taken into custody,” she wrote on social media. However, officials have not yet officially confirmed the suspect’s identity.
