President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were safely evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. EDT as the event, attended by roughly 2,600 guests, was underway. The suspect, identified by law enforcement as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, breached a security area armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
Secret Service agents engaged the assailant immediately. During the exchange, one agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by a bulletproof vest and is reported to be in good condition. The suspect was apprehended at the scene.
"The checkpoint worked," said U.S. officials, noting that the incident took place outside the ballroom, preventing injury to the attendees. Following the evacuation of the President and his cabinet, the event was officially canceled.
President Trump addressed the nation shortly after from the White House, confirming the suspect is in custody and that federal agents are currently raiding the individual’s residence in California. Officials currently view the attacker as a "lone wolf" and are investigating his motives.
This security breach marks the third significant threat against President Trump’s safety since 2024. Previous incidents included an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, and a second attempt in West Palm Beach, Florida, in September 2024.
