What We Know About the Shooting Incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

On Saturday night, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were removed from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner following reports of gunshots at the event. The US Secret Service confirmed that no injuries occurred during the “shooting incident,” though one individual was detained. The president later addressed the situation from the White House, stating that the event was “always shocking when this happens, that never changes.”

Trump’s Response and Social Media Posts

Shortly after the incident, Trump shared a message on Truth Social, asserting that the shooter had been captured and that he had suggested continuing the event. However, he emphasized that the decision would be based on guidance from law enforcement. A follow-up post revealed that officials had asked him and his wife to vacate the premises. Trump also described a man who had charged security at the Washington Hilton with a “powerful” weapon, calling him a “very sick man” and highlighting that a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but survived thanks to his bullet-proof vest.

“I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great. He has very high spirits, and we told him we love him and respect him, and he’s a very proud guy.”

The president noted that the atmosphere in the room was “totally unified,” with a sense of “tremendous amount of love and coming together” after the gunfire. He expressed a desire to restart the event once the suspect was apprehended but said protocols prevented it. Trump claimed the dinner would be rescheduled, promising it would be “bigger and better and even nicer.”

Details on the Suspect and Legal Proceedings

Law enforcement identified the alleged suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. The BBC’s North American news partner, CBS, reported this information. Officials stated that the FBI and Secret Service were executing search warrants at a California address. Washington DC’s interim police chief, Jeffery Carroll, confirmed Allen was a hotel guest at the Washington Hilton and that there was no indication anyone else was in danger.

Carroll mentioned that security and the suspect exchanged fire during the incident. The suspect was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, said the individual faces two charges: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon. Formal charges are expected by Monday.

Media Reaction and Event Continuity

Several BBC journalists who attended the event described scenes of confusion following the gunshots. US Secret Service agents escorted Trump and Melania from the room, while senior officials like Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth were removed by their security teams. Other attendees stayed in the ballroom under lockdown, with many reporters trying to relay updates in real time.

Trump also acknowledged previous attempts on his life, including a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and an incident during a golf trip in Palm Beach, Florida. He noted the first lady was “rather traumatised” but expressed confidence in the event’s continuation. The president thanked the media for their “very responsible” coverage of the situation, despite the disruption.