A suspect has been taken into custody following a shooting incident at a high-profile media gala attended by US President Donald Trump in Washington, with authorities confirming he will face federal charges on Monday.
Gunshots rang out on Saturday night during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton, shortly after the opening remarks, according to AFP reporters and eyewitnesses.
Security operatives responded within seconds as tactical teams, weapons drawn, moved toward the stage where Trump was seated alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other cabinet members. The dignitaries were swiftly evacuated.
Hundreds of black-tie guests took cover under tables before being ushered out through the hotel lobby as the event was abruptly suspended. Authorities confirmed that no attendees or dignitaries were injured.
Security breach and arrest
According to officials, a lone gunman forced his way through a security checkpoint near the ballroom at about 8:36 pm (0036 GMT), triggering an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
“He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives,” said Jeffrey Carroll, interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, who added that officers intercepted the suspect during the confrontation.
A uniformed Secret Service officer was struck in his protective vest and taken to hospital, but is in stable condition.
The suspect was not wounded but was transported to hospital for evaluation before being taken into custody. Investigators believe he acted alone and may have been staying at the hotel.
Charges and investigation
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect will be arraigned on Monday in federal court, where he faces charges including use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Authorities have not formally confirmed his identity, but multiple US media outlets have identified him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance.
President Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf,” adding that the motive remains unclear but suggesting the attacker appeared to be “sick.”
Background details
A LinkedIn profile bearing the name Cole Allen, which appears to match images circulating online, describes an individual with that name as a mechanical engineer, computer scientist, game developer and teacher.
A person with the same name is listed as a 2017 graduate of the California Institute of Technology. In addition, a test-preparation company, C2 Education, previously featured an individual with that name as “teacher of the month” in a December 2024 social media post.
