A 31-year-old California man was arrested after shots were fired near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, forcing President Donald Trump and senior administration officials out of the event.
The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, according to The Associated Press, citing federal law enforcement sources.
The shooting happened just after 8:30 p.m. near an indoor security screening area as about 2,500 guests were gathered for the dinner, according to AP. Trump was escorted out by the Secret Service, while cabinet members and other guests took cover before being evacuated.
AP reported that one Secret Service agent was hit in a bullet-resistant vest and was recovering. Trump was not injured.
Allen was arrested after allegedly entering the hotel and moving toward the ballroom. Authorities believe he may have acted alone, though a motive was not immediately clear, according to AP.
A video shared by President Trump appeared to show a man entering the event area before security forces opened fire. Virginia Times could not independently verify the video from the material provided.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement, saying they “acted quickly and bravely.” He said the shooter had been apprehended and initially recommended that the event continue, while adding that he would follow law enforcement guidance.
Trump later said law enforcement requested that he and others leave the premises under protocol. He said the first lady, the vice president and cabinet members were “in perfect condition” and that he would deliver remarks from the White House Press Briefing Room.
After the incident, Trump addressed the event and described the dinner as an event rooted in free speech and the Constitution. He said he did not want “sick people” or “thugs” to change “the fabric of our lives.”
Trump said the room was “very, very secure” and described the suspect as approaching from about 50 yards away. He said officials believed the suspect may have acted alone. Asked whether he thought he was the target, Trump answered, “I guess.”
Trump said the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.
A global media for the latest news, entertainment, music fashion, and more.
