A shooting incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump at the Hilton hotel in Washington.
The Operative Information Center-OMM, citing Reuters, reports that loud explosions were initially heard in the hall, followed by a crowd rush as attendees sought safety.
In addition to US President Donald Trump, the event was attended by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President James David Vance, and Karoline Leavitt. Following the incident, the President posted on his social media account that no members of the US administration were injured and that everyone is in excellent condition.
US President Donald Trump shared photos and videos of the suspect on the Truth Social platform. The footage shows a man lying on the ground with his hands handcuffed behind his back. The President also shared surveillance footage showing an armed individual attempting to breach a security checkpoint before security personnel opened fire.
According to New York Post journalist Karol Markowicz, the suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California. He has been taken into custody. During a subsequent press conference, US President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding potential links between the shooting and US military operations against Iran. "I don't think so, but you never know," the American leader said in response to journalists' questions.
The White House Correspondents' Association dinner is a long-standing tradition in Washington, typically serving as a high-profile gathering for journalists, government officials, and celebrities. The event is held to support journalism scholarships and recognize excellence in the field, with the Washington Hilton serving as its traditional venue for decades. Security at such events is typically managed by the US Secret Service due to the presence of the President and other high-ranking officials.
