VIDEO: Gunman disrupts White House correspondents’ dinner, Trump whisked to safety

A dramatic security incident unfolded in Washington, DC, United States late Saturday after a gunman opened fire near the venue of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, triggering panic and forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials.

The suspect, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, is now in custody and expected to face multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and use of a firearm during a violent crime.

The annual dinner, held at the Washington Hilton, had drawn a high-profile audience of political leaders, journalists, and public figures when the incident occurred. According to officials, the suspect allegedly charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, prompting a rapid response from the US Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.

In the confusion that followed, a Secret Service agent was shot but survived due to protective gear. The agent has been hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunfire rang out just outside the ballroom. Veteran journalist Wolf Blitzer, who was near the scene, said attendees immediately took cover as security personnel rushed in to neutralize the threat.

Authorities said the suspect was subdued within moments of the confrontation, preventing what could have escalated into a mass-casualty event.

Speaking shortly after the incident, Trump confirmed that he and members of his Cabinet were safe. He recounted being swiftly escorted off stage by security agents as the situation unfolded.

“We were just getting started, and then we heard a noise,” Trump said. “At first, it sounded like something had fallen, but within seconds, we were being moved out. The Secret Service did a fantastic job.”

The president later added that he had spoken with the injured agent, praising the officer’s courage and the effectiveness of the protective equipment that likely saved his life.

US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed that charges would be filed against the suspect, describing the response by law enforcement as “swift, coordinated and heroic.”

Initial investigations suggest the suspect acted alone. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no immediate evidence of a broader conspiracy or additional attackers.

“At this time, we have no reason to believe anyone else was involved,” Bowser said during a late-night press briefing.

Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the motive behind the attack. Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll noted that the suspect’s intended target remains unclear and is “part of the ongoing investigation.”

Further details about Allen’s background have begun to emerge. Public records indicate he worked as a part-time teacher and had a background in engineering and computer science. Authorities are also reviewing his recent activities, including his presence at the hotel as a registered guest.

The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, has joined the investigation, examining ballistic evidence recovered from the scene and interviewing witnesses.

Officials emphasized that security protocols functioned as designed, highlighting the layered protection around the president and the event.

Secret Service Director Sean Curran commended his agents for their quick response. “This is exactly what our training prepares us for,” he said. “The suspect was intercepted and apprehended before he could cause greater harm.”

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual event that blends politics, media, and entertainment, has long been considered a secure gathering due to the presence of top government officials. Saturday’s incident, however, has raised fresh concerns about security at high-profile public events.

Despite the scare, Trump struck a defiant tone, describing the presidency as inherently risky but insisting such incidents would not deter him.

“It’s a dangerous job, but we keep going,” he said.

Authorities say the event will likely be rescheduled under enhanced security measures, as investigations continue into one of the most serious security breaches at the high-profile gathering in recent years.

Watch video here