A woman has become an online sensation after she was filmed grabbing several bottles of wine during the chaotic evacuation of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night. The incident occurred after a gunman opened fire outside the main ballroom at the Washington Hilton, sending guests fleeing for safety.
Shooting Details
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, allegedly rushed a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He opened fire on a Secret Service agent, who was hit at point-blank range but escaped serious injury thanks to his bulletproof vest. Investigators believe the attack was politically motivated, with acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche revealing that early findings indicate the gunman was targeting administration officials, most likely including the president. Documents found on the suspect reportedly described him as a "Friendly Federal Assassin" and condemned current administration policies.
Woman's Actions
Amid the pandemonium, one unidentified blonde woman, wearing a long black fur coat, was seen making a beeline for a table to gather bottles of wine. The shooting occurred early in the evening, leaving considerable amounts of alcohol untouched. It remains unclear whether the wine was already paid for or if the woman had purchased it herself. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing, but the footage quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions.
Social Media Reactions
Some condemned the act, with one person commenting: "This is absolutely disgusting. Members of the press were caught stealing bottles of wine in the immediate aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner." Another added: "The President almost just got assassinated and members of the media are using the opportunity to steal bottles of wine."
However, others found it amusing. One user wrote: "They paid $350+ a plate, and the night got canceled early, free wine tax refund is fair game." Another said: "How is this stealing? They were placed on the tables for dinner. They were meant to be consumed. Everything was already paid for." A third commented: "The highlight of the shooting is all the press and influencers yoinking bottles of wine and champagne. Good on them for that." A fourth added: "This is absolutely hilarious. After the assassination attempt, this woman just snags a couple of bottles of wine. She's got her priorities figured out."
Presidential Response
Although the evening's proceedings were cut short, President Trump later addressed the nation from the White House, commending the Secret Service's rapid intervention and calling for an end to political violence.
