Donald Trump was rushed off stage by Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after gunshots erupted at a high-profile media gala in Washington, in what he later described as an attempted assassination by a “would-be assassin”.
The incident occurred during the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, senior officials and hundreds of guests were in attendance.
Security personnel opened fire after a man allegedly forced his way through a checkpoint near the ballroom, prompting Secret Service agents to evacuate Trump and other officials as guests took cover beneath tables in chaotic scenes.
Trump said at a hastily arranged briefing at the White House that a “lone wolf” suspect had been neutralised by security forces after charging the venue armed with multiple weapons.
“He was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service,” Trump said, adding that he initially mistook the sound of gunfire for a dropped object before realising what was happening.
Authorities said a Secret Service officer was struck in the vest during the exchange of fire but survived and was in stable condition. Police confirmed the suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned on Monday on firearm and assault charges.
Washington police said the suspect, believed to have been staying at the hotel, was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives. Law enforcement officials exchanged gunfire with him before he was subdued.
Trump said investigators had visited the suspect’s residence and indicated he may be based in California. FBI agents were later seen outside a home in Torrance, California, as part of the ongoing investigation.
While officials have not formally confirmed his identity, US media outlets named the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance. The FBI has not verified the reports.
During the incident, tactical units moved into position near the stage as helicopters hovered overhead and police cordoned off the area. Cabinet members were among the first to be evacuated.
Officials said the breach occurred shortly after the opening remarks and during dinner service, before Trump was scheduled to speak. One administration official, Mehmet Oz, was heard saying “shots fired upstairs” as he was escorted out.
The White House gala, often referred to as the “Nerd Prom”, brings together journalists and political figures to raise funds for scholarships and awards, though no comedian was featured this year.
The venue, the Washington Hilton, has historical significance, having been the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former US President Ronald Reagan.
The latest incident comes after previous security scares involving Trump, including a 2024 assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania and another armed incident near a Florida golf course.
Trump Evacuated After Gunshots at Washington Media Gala
