SRINAGAR: US President Donald Trump was evacuated after shots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, causing panic inside the packed venue.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were immediately escorted from the ballroom by tactical teams to a secure location.
According to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the developments and cited by CNN, authorities identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Agence France-Presse reported that the suspect was taken into custody by the United States Secret Service.
Separately, Fox News, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that an armed individual attempted to pass through security screening with a firearm but was intercepted by Secret Service personnel before entering the ballroom and was subsequently taken offsite.
Trump later said on Truth Social that the suspected shooter had been apprehended, praised law enforcement officials, and called for the event to continue as scheduled.
The Associated Press reported that the suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen.
According to multiple media reports citing attendees and cabinet members, between five and eight shots were fired during the incident. AP, quoting a law enforcement official, reported that one officer was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
Witnesses said guests took cover under tables as security teams stormed the venue, issued warnings, and quickly evacuated the banquet hall.
National Guard personnel were deployed inside the Washington Hilton as authorities imposed a lockdown, permitting guests to leave but barring re-entry while maintaining heightened security outside.
The Washington Hilton, a longstanding venue for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, generally remains open to the public during the event, according to AP.
