President Donald Trump was safely evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after a shooting occurred outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. The incident took place during the annual event, which brings together journalists, politicians, and public figures to celebrate the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
According to multiple verified reports, Secret Service agents swiftly removed Trump and First Lady Melania Trump from the stage upon hearing gunfire. The president was unharmed and later returned to the White House, where he held a news briefing to address the situation.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California, was taken into custody. He was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives when he approached a security checkpoint at the hotel and exchanged gunfire with officers.
One Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover fully. President Trump praised the agent’s courage during his news conference, stating he spoke with the officer, who was in “high spirits,” and expressed national gratitude for law enforcement’s rapid response.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents subdued the suspect quickly and that a long gun and shell casings were recovered at the scene. The suspect is expected to face at least two charges upon arraignment in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Weijia Jiang, who was seated next to Trump during the incident, described the experience as deeply troubling. She emphasized that no one should have to fear for their safety in public spaces, especially at an event dedicated to free expression.
Officials noted the historical resonance of the location, as the same hotel was the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, during which Press Secretary James Brady and others were wounded.
President Trump returned to the White House following the evacuation and later addressed the nation, calling for unity and urging Americans to “resolve our differences” in the aftermath of the violence.