United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were hurriedly evacuated on Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
According to officials, the incident happened at the venue’s main security checkpoint when a man armed with a shotgun allegedly attempted to force his way through security before opening fire.
A Secret Service agent was reportedly struck during the chaos but escaped unharmed due to protective gear.
Security personnel immediately moved Trump, Melania, and other top government officials out of the hall as panic spread among the estimated 2,600 guests in attendance.
Witnesses said many attendees dived under tables for safety while agents worked quickly to secure the area.
Senior cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, were also forced to the ground by security officers during the emergency response.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was swiftly arrested and that no government officials were injured.
Reacting on Truth Social, Trump praised security agencies, saying all senior officials, including the vice president and cabinet members, were “in perfect condition.”
“Shooter had been apprehended. Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” Trump wrote.
Trump added that the suspect, reportedly carrying multiple weapons, was captured at the scene by what he described as “very brave soldiers” of the Secret Service.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. He is expected to face court charges on Monday.
Reports said Allen had been staying at the hotel where the event was held and worked as a part-time teacher in California.
Trump also shared images appearing to show a shirtless man lying face down in the foyer with his hands tied behind his back, believed to be the arrested suspect.
Describing the man as a “would-be assassin,” Trump said the suspect was heavily armed and had breached a major security checkpoint before being stopped.
He also announced plans to address the nation at a press conference later that night.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was subsequently cancelled, though Trump expressed hope it could be rescheduled within 30 days.
The latest incident comes less than two years after Trump was rushed off stage during a July 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire into the crowd, leaving him injured in the ear.
