Trump, Vance safe after gunman opens fire at Washington dinner
President Donald Trump and vice president, J.D. Vance, are safe after a gunman carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives fired at a federal official during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.
The shooting disrupted the event as Secret Service agents swung swiftly into action, yanking Mr Vance from his seat while cabinet members and VIP guests ducked under tables, scrambling for safety.
A team of agents formed a human shield around Mr Trump as they guided him out of the hall. First Lady Melania Trump was similarly evacuated.
No one has been reported hurt.
“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” Mr Trump wrote on social media.
The U.S. leader held a press conference late Saturday night where he explained that the assailant hit the official’s bulletproof vest and that he was “doing great.”
The New York Times identified the gunman as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California. A motive has yet to be determined, but law enforcement believes he was acting alone.
Mr Allen will be charged in court on Monday, according to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the district of California.
“This individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,” said Ms Pirro.
High-profile guests in attendance included FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.
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