Arabic version: حادثة إطلاق نار تعطل عشاء مراسلي البيت الأبيض
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, after gunshots were reported on the premises. The US Secret Service confirmed that no one was injured in the “shooting incident”, and one person has been taken into custody. The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31. According to BBC News, Trump expressed shock at the event, stating that it is always alarming when such incidents occur.
Following the gunfire, Trump took to Truth Social, stating that the shooter had been apprehended and suggested that the event should continue, although he stated he would follow law enforcement’s guidance. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a long-standing tradition since 1921, was attended by more than 2,000 guests, marking Trump’s first attendance as president since 2011.
CCTV footage showed the suspect rushing past security, leading to an exchange of fire. Reports indicated that at least five to eight shots were fired. Attendees described scenes of chaos as security personnel rushed the stage to evacuate the president and first lady, while guests sought cover under tables.
Trump later addressed the situation from the White House, stating that a “very sick man” had attempted to charge security with a “powerful” weapon. He confirmed that one Secret Service agent was shot at very close range but was saved by his bullet-proof vest. Trump also noted that his wife was left “rather traumatised” by the incident.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, reportedly expressed intentions to shoot Trump administration officials. He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives during the incident. Law enforcement sources indicated that he was a guest at the hotel where the dinner took place. Allen is facing multiple charges, including two counts for using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers using a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to be formally charged in federal court on Monday.
