A suspected gunman has been taken into custody after opening fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, where Donald Trump and top government officials were in attendance.
The incident occurred Saturday night at the Washington Hilton shortly after the opening remarks, sending panic through the ballroom as gunshots rang out, according to eyewitnesses and AFP reporters.
Security personnel reacted swiftly, with armed tactical teams rushing toward the stage where Trump sat alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials. The dignitaries were immediately evacuated from the venue.
Guests, many dressed in formal attire, took cover under tables before being safely escorted out through the hotel lobby. Authorities later confirmed that no attendees or high-profile guests were injured in the chaos.
Officials said the suspect, described as a lone attacker, forced his way through a security checkpoint near the ballroom at approximately 8:36 p.m., triggering an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers.
Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Jeffrey Carroll, disclosed that the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Officers were able to intercept and subdue him during the confrontation.
A uniformed Secret Service officer was struck in his protective vest during the incident and was taken to the hospital. He is reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who was not injured, was transported to a hospital for evaluation before being formally taken into custody. Authorities believe he acted alone and may have been lodging at the hotel.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect will be arraigned in federal court on Monday. He faces charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
While officials have not formally released his identity, several US media outlets have identified him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California.
President Trump described the attacker as a “lone wolf,” noting that the motive remains unclear but suggesting the suspect appeared mentally unstable.
Preliminary online records indicate that an individual with the same name has a background in engineering and computer science, with ties to the California Institute of Technology.
Gunman Arrested After Shooting Disrupts White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington
