The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC descended into chaos on Saturday after what officials described as a shooting incident inside the Washington Hilton hotel, where US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seated alongside senior political figures.
On social media, Fox News journalist Karol Markowicz said the suspect had been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, and said he was in custody. However, authorities have not confirmed the identity of any suspect. Separately, Trump shared images on his Truth Social platform purporting to show the suspected shooter being detained. The images appear to show a shirtless man restrained on the ground with his hands behind his back, surrounded by law enforcement officers.
The suspect was arrested following theshooting incident.The US Secret Service said the individual was taken into custody after what it described as a shooting near the main security screening area at the Washington Hilton, where the event was taking place.
In a statement, the agency said: “The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The president and first lady are safe along [with] all protectees. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were uninjured and safely evacuated from the venue, according to the Secret Service.
Witnesses said what sounded like gunshots were heard shortly after 20:30 local time, prompting scenes of panic inside the ballroom, where hundreds of journalists, politicians and guests had gathered. Video footage showed security personnel moving quickly to clear the main stage area as attendees were instructed to take cover, with voices heard shouting “stay down”.
Trump later posted on social media praising the response of security services, saying: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.”
He added that the evening would be “much different than planned”.
Officials said cabinet members including Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and FBI Director Kash Patel were also evacuated within the hotel. Authorities later confirmed all cabinet members were safe. Several members of Congress were seen leaving the venue on foot as the situation unfolded.
The White House Correspondents’ Association said further updates were expected as the investigation continues.
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