US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after a lone gunman fired shots at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington on Saturday. A Secret Service officer was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, a part-time teacher from California, was apprehended and will face federal charges. Here are the key details.
What Happened:
- The shooting occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the annual correspondents' dinner.
- Gunshots were heard after the welcoming speech.
- Trump, Melania, and VP JD Vance were swiftly evacuated from the stage.
- Hundreds of guests in black tie took cover under tables.
- No dignitaries or gala guests were hurt.
- Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was identified as the suspect.
- He was a guest at the hotel and worked as a part-time teacher.
- Trump posted a photo of the shirtless suspect in handcuffs on Truth Social.
- He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
- The suspect was not hit by gunfire but was taken for evaluation.
- A Secret Service officer was struck in the vest and taken to the hospital.
- The suspect was apprehended at the scene by Secret Service operatives.
- He will face charges, including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
- Trump said the suspect was a "lone wolf" and "sick."
- The FBI is conducting witness interviews as part of the investigation.
- Trump initially said the building was "not particularly secure."
- A magnetometer was placed outside the ballroom, but not at the hotel entrance.
- The checkpoint outside the ballroom stopped the gunman from entering.
- Authorities will review the video to determine how the gun got into the hotel.
- Trump said security was "much better than Butler" (referring to the 2024 assassination attempt).
