- Donald Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated after gunfire erupted near the dinner venue.
- Secret Service agents quickly secured the area and detained the suspect.
- One agent was hit but protected by body armor.
- The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was later cancelled.
United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed to safety after gunfire broke out near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. Security officials responded immediately, removing senior government figures as panic spread inside the crowded venue.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated on Saturday night after a shooting incident disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.
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According to officials, the gunfire happened near the main security screening area when an armed man attempted to breach security before opening fire. Secret Service agents reacted within seconds and moved top officials out of the hall.
A Secret Service officer was reportedly struck by a bullet, but the officer escaped serious harm because the round was stopped by protective gear.
Witnesses said confusion broke out among the more than 2,000 guests in attendance, with many diving under tables while armed officers locked down the venue.
Among those present were several senior cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top officials, all of whom were safely evacuated.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Reports identified the man as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California, who may face multiple charges.
Shortly after the incident, Trump praised security forces for their response.
He said: “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job.”
The event was later cancelled, with organizers expected to announce a new date.
The dramatic security scare comes less than two years after Trump survived another shooting incident during the 2024 campaign season in Pennsylvania.
