A man with several weapons rushed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening before being “subdued” by agents from the U.S. Secret Service, President Donald Trump stated hours after he was evacuated from the gathering.
One officer sustained a gunshot wound, but he was “saved by the fact that he was wearing a noticeably effective bulletproof vest,” Trump informed reporters during a press conference in the White House briefing room.
“I just talked to the officer, and he’s doing wonderfully,” Trump said.
The alleged assailant was later identified as Cole Allen from Torrance, California, as a former senior law enforcement official briefed on the situation shared with MS NOW. The suspect is reported to be 31 years old, according to the Associated Press, citing two law enforcement sources.
Trump was hurried off the stage of the Washington Hilton hotel ballroom just seconds after the sound of gunfire caused attendees to dive under their tables.
He expressed that he “struggled fiercely” to remain at the dinner, where he was scheduled to speak for the first time since taking office, but that law enforcement requested him and other administration officials to exit the venue.
Prior to the press briefing, Trump shared images via his Truth Social account that appeared to depict the alleged shooter once subdued, as well as security footage from the incident.
First lady Melania Trump and all the Cabinet members attending “are in excellent condition,” the president mentioned in a separate post after departing the event.
He added, “I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”
At the White House, Trump commended the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift response.
“This was an event focused on freedom of speech that aimed to unite individuals from both parties alongside members of the press,” Trump stated. “And in a way, it accomplished that, because the unity I observed in the room was truly remarkable. It was, in one aspect, very beautiful.”
A source present at the event, who was briefed by the Secret Service post-shooting, informed CNBC’s Eamon Javers that a man with a shotgun had approached the metal detectors and was shot by Secret Service agents.
He was subsequently taken away in handcuffs, the source reported.
Key facts about the incident remain uncertain. U.S. Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro stated at a separate press conference later on Saturday night that the suspect will face arraignment on Monday.
During the same conference, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll mentioned that authorities believe, based on initial information, that the suspect was a guest at the hotel.
“We have secured a room here at the hotel,” Carroll noted.
He also indicated that the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
At least five gunshots were heard around 8:35 p.m. The shots originated from the back of the ballroom while guests were consuming their first course, several minutes after White House Correspondents’ Association President Weija Jiang delivered her remarks.
Trump, positioned on a stage at the front of the ballroom next to the first lady, was swiftly surrounded by U.S. Secret Service members, while many attendees ducked under their tables.
Video footage from the event captures the moment the president was escorted off the stage shortly after, as armed guards clad in tactical gear and wielding large rifles appeared on the dais.
Several other senior officials from the Trump administration were present at the gathering, including Vice President JD Vance, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
When asked at the White House if he believed he was the shooter’s target, Trump replied, “I suppose.” He stated that details regarding the alleged shooter’s motives will emerge in the coming days.
“You know he’s in custody, and they’re asking him numerous questions,” Trump mentioned.
Trump survived an attempted assassination during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania in July 2024. A few months later, an individual attempted to assassinate Trump while he was enjoying a round of golf at his course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
— CNBC’s Eamon Javers and Megan Cassella contributed to this report.
