Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner following an incident where an alleged gunman attempted to enter the ballroom armed with guns and knives. The annual event started off normally before gunshots rang out, prompting approximately 2,500 guests, including journalists and high-ranking US officials, to take cover under tables in a state of panic.
Donald and Melania Trump were swiftly escorted out of the venue, with the President escaping unharmed. Vice President JD Vance and other prominent politicians present were also safely evacuated. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was identified and apprehended at the hotel. Authorities examining the suspect’s electronic devices and writings suspect he had intentions to target administration members attending the dinner.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed that the suspect traveled by train from California and checked into the Washington Hilton hotel. Allen is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. Security footage captured the suspect bypassing a security checkpoint, while armed Secret Service agents were seen on stage during the chaotic incident.
After the ordeal, President Trump shared an image of the suspect online, referring to him as a “would-be assassin.” Emotional scenes unfolded as attendees, including widow Erika Kirk, were escorted out of the building, with some embracing each other for support amidst the turmoil. Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected shooter, had previously been recognized as the teacher of the month at a school in Torrance 18 months ago.
