Washington, United States. A suspect opened fire on a Secret Service agent during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel and was arrested, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday. Blanche said President Donald Trump and senior administration officials were likely targets.
Shooting and arrest at hotel checkpoint
Officials said the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton before being tackled and arrested. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quickly removed from the event.
Blanche said it appeared the suspect “set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president.” He added the suspect is believed to have travelled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington.
Charges and investigation
Blanche said the suspect will face federal charges including assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm and attempting to kill a federal officer. He said it was not yet clear whether there was any connection to Iran.
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives and is believed to have been staying at the hotel. He was taken to hospital for evaluation, with officials saying it is too early to determine a motive.
Washington’s interim police chief said the suspect had been able to move through parts of the hotel before being stopped. Investigators are examining how he brought the weapons into the building, which was hosting the high-profile event attended by cabinet members, lawmakers and other officials.
Agent’s condition and security response
Trump said the injured agent was protected by a bulletproof vest and was in “good shape,” while a Secret Service spokesperson said the officer had been discharged from hospital. Trump also said he believed he was the intended target.
Footage showed the suspect moving quickly through a security checkpoint before firing and being subdued. Officials said no shots were fired at him before he was detained.
Panic and evacuation inside the ballroom
Gunfire caused panic among about 2,600 attendees inside the ballroom, with guests taking cover under tables as security personnel drew weapons and moved to protect senior officials. Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others were evacuated, while cabinet members were escorted out by their security teams.
Some agents pushed those under their protection to the ground and formed protective barriers, while others moved through the crowded room to reach officials. Officials said the evacuation took place at varying speeds depending on location.
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