TLDR
- Gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening
- President Trump and VP JD Vance were safely evacuated without injury
- One Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but protected by body armor
- Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, apprehended at scene and admitted targeting administration officials
- Event canceled with plans to reschedule within one month
Multiple gunshots rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening, prompting Secret Service to immediately evacuate President Donald Trump from the venue.
The incident occurred approximately 8:35pm Eastern Time at the historic Washington Hilton hotel. The gunman opened fire near a security screening area in the hotel lobby, away from the main ballroom hosting the prestigious dinner.
President Trump was sitting at the head table alongside First Lady Melania Trump when Secret Service personnel swarmed the ballroom. Within 120 seconds, the main banquet area was completely cleared.
Vice President JD Vance attended the gathering and was also removed without incident. Additional high-ranking administration members including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were rushed out through alternative exits.
A Secret Service agent sustained a gunshot wound at point-blank range. Thanks to protective body armor, the agent survived and is anticipated to make a complete recovery.
Suspect Identified
Authorities have named Cole Tomas Allen, 31, a resident of Torrance, California, as the shooter. Secret Service agents overpowered him immediately at the location. CBS News reports that Allen confessed to authorities his intention was to attack Trump administration personnel.
President Trump disclosed that Allen carried several firearms. Federal investigators and local law enforcement are executing a search warrant at a Torrance, California residence. Allen faces formal charges expected to be filed Monday in court.
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer had stepped away from the ballroom and was positioned near the lobby entrance during the shooting. Law enforcement personnel forced him to the floor before evacuating him to safety. Blitzer reported witnessing multiple officers subduing the armed suspect.
Approximately 2,600 attendees were present at the annual dinner. Numerous guests took cover beneath tables as gunfire echoed through the hotel. National Guard troops and additional law enforcement units surrounded the venue as helicopters provided aerial surveillance.
Trump Addresses Press After Evacuation
The President conducted an unscheduled media briefing from the James Brady Press Room at the White House around 10:30pm. Still wearing his formal tuxedo, Trump appeared alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Trump recounted initially mistaking the gunshots for falling dinnerware before recognizing the danger. He commended Secret Service agents for their swift protective response.
Via Truth Social, Trump indicated he had suggested continuing the dinner but deferred to law enforcement recommendations. Officials decided to cancel the remainder of the event.
Trump announced plans to hold the rescheduled dinner within the next 30 days. White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang verified all attendees were accounted for safely and confirmed rescheduling plans.
The Washington Hilton previously gained notoriety as the location of the 1981 shooting targeting President Ronald Reagan.
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