A suspected gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday evening during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other officials. The suspect, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was arrested after exchanging fire with law enforcement. One police officer was injured but has since been discharged from hospital.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News that the suspect allegedly targeted President Trump and his administration officials. The FBI's criminal division and terrorism task force are investigating the incident. Blanche stated that the motive remains under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest the attacker aimed at administration figures.
President Trump was rushed off stage by security. Speaking to reporters later, he said, "I can't imagine that there's any profession that's more dangerous." The White House issued a statement saying Trump "stands fearless" after surviving what it called an assassination attempt. Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Melania Trump were also evacuated.
White House Correspondents' Association president Weijia Jiang described the attack as "harrowing" and thanked the Secret Service for protecting thousands of guests. She said the board will meet to determine how to proceed. The event was rescheduled.
Investigators are reviewing the suspect's writings, which allegedly expressed a desire to target administration officials. A family member alerted police after receiving writings from Allen before the attack. Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington DC. He is from Torrance, California, where authorities are searching a residence linked to him.
Allen is expected to be formally charged on Monday with assault of a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He was armed with two guns and knives. The Secret Service credited an officer's bulletproof vest with preventing a potential tragedy.
This marks the third assassination threat against Trump. In July 2024, a bullet grazed his ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and in September 2024, a suspected gunman was spotted near his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
World leaders condemned the incident. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked" and called for strong condemnation of any attack on democratic institutions and press freedom. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed relief that Trump and attendees were safe.
Source: www.bbc.com