The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos after a gunman opened fire at the high-profile event Saturday night.
Details are still limited on the identity of the shooter and any potential motive. However, President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other members of the administration were rushed from the Washington Hilton’s ballroom as guests scrambled for cover.
Here’s what we know so far.
What happened?
The annual event was thrown into chaos at around 8.30 p.m. on Saturday when shots rang out in the Washington Hilton hotel.
Secret Service agents were seen gathering swiftly around the president before ushering him away from the dais. The first lady and several Cabinet officials were also removed from the ballroom. Attendees still inside took cover underneath tables.
The shooting took place “near the main magnetometer screening area” at the Hilton, the Secret Service said in a statement.
“The president and the first lady are safe along with all protectees,” the statement continued. “One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”
The Independent’s White House correspondent described multiple agents with weapons unholstered accompanying the president.
The Hilton, located a short distance away from the White House, is where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.
Who is the suspected gunman?
The suspect is a 31-year-old male from California, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to CNN. The New York Times reported that multiple law enforcement sources had identified the suspect to them as Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said that the assailant had been apprehended and posted a photo of a man lying down on the ground at the hotel.
The president also posted surveillance footage of a man running past the hotel’s security checkpoint, with agents appearing to draw their weapons and start firing.
Trump said he did so for “transparency” and to highlight the speed with which agents reacted to the threat.
At a press briefing later at the White House, Trump called the suspect “a sick person” and said investigators were on their way to his apartment.
Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, said on Saturday night that he expected charges to be filed shortly against the suspect.
What happened to Trump?
The president was rushed out of the event along with other high-ranking members of the administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Marco Rubio. He returned to the White House, where he spoke to the press.
Trump said he “fought like hell” to stay and resume the event but was told by agents he had to return to White House.
The event will be rescheduled in 30 days, Trump added.
