US President Donald Trump was evacuated by the Secret Service after a gunman opened fire at the White House correspondents' dinner in Washington DC. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California, is in custody and was reportedly armed with multiple weapons.
Incident Details
The annual event, held at the Washington Hilton hotel, was attended by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and hundreds of journalists. At approximately 8:35pm US time (1:35am UK time) on Saturday, a gunman entered the hotel foyer and opened fire. A US Secret Service agent was shot at close range but was saved by a bulletproof vest, according to President Trump.
President Trump was quickly surrounded by Secret Service agents and rushed off the stage to safety. The First Lady was also evacuated. Guests took cover under tables as chaos ensued.
Suspect Profile
Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was not previously known to law enforcement and had no criminal record. On his LinkedIn profile, he described himself as a "mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth." He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Between five and eight gunshots were fired, according to CBS News.
Authorities reported that Allen told investigators he was targeting Trump administration officials. President Trump described him as a "lone wolf whack job." Allen is due to be arraigned on Monday in federal court.
President's Account
Speaking after the incident, President Trump said he initially thought the first gunshot was a tray falling, but his wife Melania immediately identified it as a "bad noise." He praised her awareness, stating, "Melania was very cognizant." He noted that the experience was traumatic for her, adding that she had frequently told him, "You are in a dangerous job."
The wounded Secret Service officer was released from hospital and was reported to be in good condition. President Trump said, "We told him we love him and respect him. He's a very proud guy."
Investigation
The FBI is conducting a search of Allen's home in Torrance, California, which has been cordoned off by law enforcement. Crowds of media and onlookers have gathered outside the property. Torrance is a city of over 147,000 people on the southwest coast of Los Angeles County.
