US Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated President Donald Trump from the stage after gunshots rang out Saturday evening at a high-profile media gala in Washington, in what he later described as an attempted assassination.
Armed security personnel opened fire on a suspect who had breached a security checkpoint just outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, senior officials and hundreds of guests were attending the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
Panic erupted as attendees dived under tables while Secret Service agents flooded the hall, securing the venue and escorting the president to safety.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service,” Trump told reporters at the White House shortly after the incident. He added that authorities believe the suspect acted alone.
Security breach and response
According to officials, the suspect—armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives was confronted by law enforcement after forcing his way through a security perimeter. An exchange of gunfire followed.
Washington police chief Jeffery Carroll said a Secret Service officer was struck at close range but protected by a ballistic vest and is expected to recover.
“Law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the individual,” Carroll said. “The officer was transported to hospital and appears to be in good condition.”
Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the breach, describing the venue as “not a particularly secure facility,” as questions mounted over how the attacker gained access.
The president said he initially mistook the gunshots for a dropped tray before realising the situation and being rushed from the stage.
Suspect under investigation
Authorities said the suspect, believed to have been a hotel guest, was detained at the scene and is expected to face firearm and assault charges.
Investigators traced leads to Torrance, where Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were seen outside a residence linked to the suspect.
US media identified the individual as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, though officials have not formally confirmed his identity.
Chaos at “nerd prom”
The incident unfolded during dinner, shortly after opening remarks and before Trump was due to address the gathering. Cabinet members were quickly evacuated as confusion spread across the ballroom.
Television personality Mehmet Oz was heard alerting others to the gunfire as security ushered guests out.
Police cordoned off the area around the hotel while helicopters hovered overhead, underscoring the scale of the emergency response.
Renewed focus on presidential security
The incident adds to a growing list of security scares involving Trump. In 2024, he survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed a spectator and grazed his ear.
Months later, another armed individual was intercepted near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach.
Saturday’s incident also drew historical parallels to the 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan, which occurred at the same venue.
A high-profile event disrupted
The White House Correspondents’ dinner, often dubbed “Nerd Prom” is a major annual gathering of journalists, politicians and public figures, raising funds for scholarships and celebrating press freedom.
Despite his long-standing criticism of the media, Trump attended this year’s event, which traditionally features light-hearted exchanges between the president and the press, though no comedian had been scheduled for this edition.
The gala is expected to be rescheduled in the coming weeks.
