U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video to Truth Social that appears to show the suspect running through security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25. The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the annual gala was taking place.
What Happened at the Ballroom?
Shots were heard after the welcoming speech at the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association, according to AFP reporters and other witnesses. Tactical security teams with guns drawn took position on the stage where Trump was seated alongside his wife Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials, who were swiftly evacuated. Hundreds of guests in black tie in the ballroom took cover under tables and later made their way into the hotel lobby and then outdoors as the event was postponed. Authorities said no dignitaries or gala guests were hurt.
How Did the Shooting Unfold?
A sole gunman rushed through a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby just outside the ballroom where the dinner was taking place around 8:36 p.m., according to authorities. Metropolitan Police Department interim chief Jeffery Carroll told reporters, 'He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives.' Law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the suspect and intercepted that individual. A uniformed Secret Service officer was struck in his vest and taken to hospital, but was doing well, Carroll said. The suspect was not hit by gunfire, but was taken to a hospital to be evaluated. He was in custody and due to be arraigned on Monday in a federal court. A long gun and shell casings were found on the scene, FBI Director Kash Patel said, adding that the agency was carrying out witness interviews as part of its probe.
Who Is the Suspect?
Trump shared photos of the suspected shooter, shirtless and in handcuffs facedown on a carpeted floor, in what appears to be the Hilton lobby. Authorities are yet to publicly confirm his identity, but U.S. media reported that the suspect was a 31-year-old named Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Based on preliminary information, 'we do believe he was a guest here at the hotel,' Carroll told reporters.
