US President Donald Trump was evacuated after shots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, triggering panic inside the packed banquet hall.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were immediately evacuated from the ballroom by tactical teams and moved to a secure location.
Authorities have identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California, according to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the latest developments, as cited by CNN.
According to Agence France-Presse, the suspect has been taken into custody by the United States Secret Service.
Separately, sources familiar with the matter told Fox News that an individual attempted to pass through security screening with a firearm but was intercepted by the Secret Service before reaching the ballroom. The suspect was subsequently taken "offsite".
Trump said in a post on Truth Social that the suspected “shooter” has been apprehended, while commending law enforcement. He also called for the event to proceed as planned.
Later, the suspect was identified as a 30-year-old male from California, who has been taken into custody by the United States Secret Service. News agency Associated Press reported that gunman's name is Cole Tomas Allen.
According to multiple media reports citing cabinet member and attendees, five to eight shots were fired. Officer shot in bullet-resistant vest at correspondents' dinner but is expected to be OK, reports AP, quoting law enforcement official.
Guests ducked under tables as security personnel swarmed the venue, shouting warnings, while the hall was swiftly cleared.
Also read: Who was the shooter at Trump’s WH dinner - what we know so far
Members of the National Guard took positions inside as authorities locked down the premises, allowing people to exit but not re-enter, with tight security maintained outside. The United States Secret Service has taken a suspect into custody, though further details on the incident are awaited.
The Washington Hilton, the longtime venue for the White House Correspondents' Dinner, typically remains open to the public during the event, allowing regular guests to access the hotel as usual, as cited by AP.
Security measures are generally concentrated around the ballroom where the dinner is held, with comparatively limited screening for individuals who are not attending the event itself.
