A distraught Erika Kirk was seen hiding under a table after gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, sobbing and repeatedly saying, 'I just want to go home.' The incident, which occurred at the Washington Hilton, sent shockwaves through the annual event honoring journalism and the First Amendment.
Details of the Shooting
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, opened fire just outside the ballroom where thousands of guests were seated. The president was rushed off the stage by Secret Service but was uninjured. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but is recovering. Allen was tackled and taken into custody, facing two firearm-related charges, including assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon.
Erika Kirk’s Ordeal
CNN’s Sara Sidner captured footage of Kirk being hurriedly escorted from the ballroom, visibly choked up and expressing her desire to return home. Witnesses reported that FBI Director Kash Patel consoled her at one point. Earlier in the evening, Kirk had been seen smiling alongside Fox News personality Lawrence Jones and seated next to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. She was a guest of Fox News at the event.
This shooting comes just over six months after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead while speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Utah. Since his death, Erika has taken over as CEO of the right-wing activist group. Earlier this month, she withdrew from appearing alongside Vice President JD Vance at an event after receiving threats.
Trump’s Reaction
President Trump, still in his tuxedo and safe, addressed reporters at the White House two hours later, stating, 'When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone.' He described the suspect as a 'lone wolf' and expressed hope that the dinner could be rescheduled within 30 days.
Security Concerns
The fact that an armed man was able to rush toward the ballroom raised immediate questions about security at an event attended by senior government officials. A video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents closed in.
Kirk’s Recent Activities
On Friday, it was reported that Kirk helped arrange a White House meeting between President Trump, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and MAHA advocates who have been dissatisfied with the administration. Her intervention came after a poll showed that nearly half of MAHA supporters believe Trump has not done enough to meet their goals, despite their role in his 2024 election victory.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
