AMN / NEWS DESK
US President Donald Trump was rushed to safety from the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner early this morning after suspected gunshots were reported in the lobby of the Washington Hilton. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were immediately rushed out of the ballroom by security teams and moved to a secure location, uninjured, after a loud noise was heard on the premises.
Addressing a press conference at the White House, President Trump said the incident occurred at an event dedicated to freedom of speech that was meant to bring together members of both parties and the media, noting that the gathering reflected a sense of unity. He said the armed attacker was taken down by the Secret Service and law enforcement, and praised their response. He added that one officer was shot at close range but survived due to a bulletproof vest and is in good condition. The President reiterated that the event would be held again and said such incidents should not deter public gatherings.
Earlier, in a social media post, President Trump confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended and described the evening as tense, commending the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift and courageous response. He said the First Lady, the Vice President and all Cabinet members were safe, and added that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.
Anthony Guglielmi, a Secret Service spokesman, said the service was investigating a shooting near the main screening area at the entrance to the event.
The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton — the same hotel where Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded in a 1981 assassination attempt — adding to the gravity of the situation at a venue long associated with high-level political gatherings.
According to reports, a shooter opened fire outside the room where the President and other senior leaders were present.
- The annual event was held at the Washington Hilton hotel, with Trump attending for the first time as president
- First Lady Melania Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and hundreds journalists, media personalities and government officials were also there
- A suspected gunman ran into the hotel foyer, trying to get past security officers and metal detectors, at about 00:45 GMT
- Loud bangs were heard, prompting security service personnel to immediately escort the president and other officials from the venue
- Hundreds of guests stayed behind for about an hour before the ballroom was cleared
- Trump shared images and a video of the suspect on social media
- Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is reportedly the suspect
- Allen is expected to be charged on Monday with several offences, including using a firearm during a crime of violence
- Trump told reporters afterwards, “I can’t imagine many professions that are more dangerous” when reflecting on several shooting attempts over the past three years -BBC