Donald Trump was rushed from the stage under armed guard after gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday evening, in what authorities describe as a serious attempted attack near the president.
The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton, where approximately 3,000 guests had gathered, including senior administration officials, journalists, and public figures. According to officials, a gunman armed with multiple weapons forced his way toward a security checkpoint located just outside the ballroom.
The suspect, identified by US media as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was subdued by agents from the United States Secret Service after advancing toward the secured area shortly after 8.30pm local time.
Gunfire and swift response
Witnesses reported hearing between five and eight gunshots as panic spread through the venue. Guests were instructed to take cover, with many sheltering beneath tables as armed agents secured the room.
One Secret Service officer was struck at close range during the exchange but was protected by a bulletproof vest. Speaking later, Mr Trump said the agent was “in great shape” and praised his actions in stopping the attacker.
Footage released after the incident appeared to show the suspect moving rapidly past security personnel before being tackled to the ground.
The president, along with Vice President JD Vance, was quickly escorted from the room. Mr Trump reportedly stumbled as he was rushed away by his security detail.
Suspect in custody, motive unclear
Authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and is expected to face formal charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearms offences, in court on Monday.
While police initially stated that the motive remained unclear, reports from CBS News indicate the suspect told investigators he had been targeting officials linked to the Trump administration, rather than the president specifically.
Law enforcement officers, including agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have since conducted searches at a property in Torrance believed to be connected to the suspect.
Event cancelled amid security concerns
Although Mr Trump initially indicated he wanted the dinner to continue, officials ultimately cancelled the event. Guests were held inside the ballroom for around an hour before being allowed to leave.
No attendees were reported injured.
Addressing reporters later at the White House, Mr Trump condemned the attacker and praised the response of security personnel.
“He’s a very sick person,” the president said, adding that the suspect had been “very far away” from him at the time of the incident.
International reaction and security questions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked” by the events, condemning any attack on democratic institutions and expressing relief that those present were unharmed.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over presidential security, particularly ahead of a planned state visit by the British monarch. Officials from Buckingham Palace are reportedly in discussions with US counterparts regarding arrangements for the upcoming trip.
The Washington Hilton itself carries historical significance as the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr.
Pattern of recent threats
The latest incident adds to a series of security threats involving Mr Trump in recent years. In 2024, he was injured when a bullet grazed his ear during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. A separate suspect was later apprehended near one of his Florida properties, and in early 2026 an armed intruder was shot dead after breaching the perimeter of Mar-a-Lago.
When asked why such incidents continue to occur, Mr Trump suggested that high-profile leaders are often targets.
“The people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones they go after,” he said.
Authorities have yet to provide a full account of how the suspect was able to approach such a high-security event, and an investigation into potential lapses is ongoing.
