Gunfire at White House dinner
US President Donald Trump urges national unity, calling on Americans to resolve differences peacefully
A dramatic security incident unfolded Saturday night when gunfire erupted outside the venue hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting the swift evacuation of Donald Trump and other senior officials.
The incident occurred around 8.34 p.m. local time at the Washington Hilton, just as dinner was being served. President Trump was reportedly in conversation with Weijia Jiang and mentalist Oz Pearlman, who was scheduled to perform at the event.
According to officials, members of the United States Secret Service quickly moved to shield the president, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Second Lady Usha Vance. All were escorted safely out of the ballroom. Panic briefly spread among attendees, which included journalists, political leaders, and public figures. Several guests took cover under tables as a precaution.
A reporter from C-SPAN described hearing multiple loud bangs. “Boom, boom, boom-that’s all I heard,” the reporter said, recalling the chaotic moments.
Later, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.
At a late-night press conference at the White House, Trump confirmed that one suspect had been apprehended.
Authorities identified the individual as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California. Law enforcement officials stated that the suspect was armed and opened fire outside the venue but did not breach the secured event area.
Trump noted that one security officer was fired upon but escaped injury due to wearing a bulletproof vest. “They really got him,” Trump said, praising the response of security personnel.
A reporter from CNN who was outside the ballroom said he witnessed the gunman firing nearby before law enforcement quickly intervened.
The incident also unfolded amid protests outside the hotel, where demonstrators voiced opposition to the Trump administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Addressing the broader implications, Trump acknowledged the risks of his role but remained resolute. “It’s a dangerous job, but I handle it as well as it can be handled,” he said.
The president also referenced past threats to his safety, including two assassination attempts in 2024-one during a campaign rally in Butler Pennsylvania and another in Palm Beach Florida.
Calling for unity, Trump concluded his remarks by urging Americans to resolve differences peacefully. “We had people from across the political spectrum in that room… in light of tonight’s events, I ask all Americans to recommit to resolving our differences peacefully,” he said.
