Washington — A gunman was arrested after opening fire outside the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, prompting the immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials, authorities confirmed.
The incident unfolded shortly after the event began at the Washington Hilton hotel, where multiple gunshots were heard outside the ballroom. Secret Service agents swiftly moved Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several cabinet members to safety, according to witnesses and law enforcement.
No attendees were injured in the shooting, though one Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire. The agent’s bulletproof vest stopped the round, and he is expected to recover fully, a colleague said.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from California. He was apprehended at the scene and is being held in custody. Allen was found in possession of a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, officials said.
According to multiple sources, including CBS News, Allen admitted that President Trump and members of his administration were the intended targets of the attack. Investigators believe he had booked a room at the hotel in advance of the incident.
The dinner, which brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities each year, was immediately canceled following the shooting. Event organizers said it may be rescheduled within the next 30 days, though President Trump had initially expressed a desire to continue the evening before security officials intervened.
Attendees described scenes of chaos as agents flooded the venue, with many seeking cover under tables or fleeing the ballroom. Trump briefly stumbled while leaving the stage but was assisted by security personnel.
The White House Correspondents’ Association thanked law enforcement for their rapid response, praising their “swift and courageous” actions in neutralizing the threat and ensuring the president’s safety.
The incident marks one of the most significant security breaches at a high-profile presidential event in recent years, raising renewed concerns about the protection of public officials amid heightened political tensions.
