Gunman likely targeted Trump, officials; stayed in hotel hosting White House event

A gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington. Investigators said President Donald Trump and other administration officials were likely the intended targets.

In Short

• An armed suspect fired at a Secret Service agent outside the venue
• Trump, Melania Trump and JD Vance were swiftly escorted out of the ballroom
• Panic spread among hundreds attending the White House correspondents' dinner

US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday that President Donald Trump and his officials likely were the intended target of a gunman who opened fire at a security checkpoint during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington.

The suspect, armed with multiple weapons, fired at a Secret Service agent at the Washington Hilton hotel before being overpowered and arrested. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were immediately escorted out of the ballroom, along with Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials, as panic spread among hundreds of attendees.

Todd Blanche said preliminary findings suggest the attacker targeted the US President and officials linked to his administration. "It does appear that he, he did, in fact, set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president," he said, adding that investigators are tracing the suspect’s movements across multiple cities before the incident.

According to officials, the suspect had travelled from the US West Coast to Washington and was staying at the same hotel where the high-profile event was being held, indicating a planned attempt to get close to political figures.

The incident happened just outside the main ballroom, where around 2,600 guests had gathered for the annual dinner. Trump, who was seated on stage, was quickly surrounded by security and escorted out. "You know, he charged from 50 yards away, so he was very far away from the room. He was moving. He was really moving," Trump said later.

The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation. Investigators are now reviewing surveillance footage, physical evidence and witness accounts to piece together how the breach occurred. Video released after the incident shows the suspect moving rapidly through a checkpoint, catching security personnel off guard before they reacted.

Speaking after the incident, Trump said, "They seem to think he was a lone wolf."

"When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone," Trump added.

During the confrontation, a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest. Authorities confirmed the officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later discharged from hospital.

The suspect is set to face federal charges on Monday, including assaulting a federal officer, firing a weapon and attempting to kill a federal officer, Todd Blanche said, adding that investigators are still looking into possible links and it remains unclear whether there is any connection to Iran.

WHAT HAPPENED INSIDE THE HALL

According to the visuals from inside the venue, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seated at a table on stage, engaged in conversation, when sudden gunshots from the rear of the ballroom broke the calm and sent a visible shock through the crowd.

Guests immediately reacted, with many shouting "Get down, get down!" as panic spread across the hall. Hundreds of attendees rushed to take cover beneath tables while security personnel drew weapons. Some agents pushed senior officials, including cabinet members, to the floor and shielded them with their bodies, while others moved quickly to secure the area.

Heavily armed security teams then rushed towards the stage, aiming rifles across the ballroom as they formed a protective ring. Trump, Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were immediately escorted out, while other officials were led out in a controlled but urgent evacuation.

As most of the room remained crouched under tables, pockets of attendees began chanting "USA, USA!" even as security forces worked to bring the situation under control.

Trump was taken backstage and kept there for nearly an hour, according to news agency Reuters. He later said he did not want to leave the event, a reaction that recalled his defiant fist pump after surviving an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.

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