U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the individual responsible for the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner possessed multiple weapons and rushed a security barrier before firing at a Secret Service agent, causing a significant security alert at the prominent gathering.
“An individual advanced toward a security point with several weapons and was subdued by courageous Secret Service personnel,” Trump explained during a White House briefing, outlining the incident’s progression.
The event occurred outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and top administration figures were present for the yearly event.
Trump verified that a Secret Service agent was struck at short distance by a high-caliber firearm but escaped injury due to body armor.
“An agent was hit, but he’s doing well because the vest protected him,” Trump noted, mentioning the agent remained upbeat.
An FBI representative previously indicated the perpetrator shot at a Secret Service member, who was protected by gear and unharmed.
Trump identified the suspect as originating from California and subdued on site. Authorities named the individual as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance.
Roughly an hour after being evacuated from the venue on Saturday night, Trump shared on Truth Social that the assailant had been captured.
When questioned if he thought he was the primary target, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, “I suppose so.” He mentioned that officials were still examining the reasons behind the act, describing the perpetrator as likely acting alone, though further details would emerge.
Trump reported that he and First Lady Melania Trump were swiftly removed from the area as security measures were activated. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other key officials at the event were also safely evacuated.
Trump suggested the attacker operated independently. “It seems he acted alone, and I agree with that assessment,” he said, noting the investigation would clarify the complete intent.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the inquiry continues, with charges expected soon and search warrants in process. The FBI’s counter-terrorism team is overseeing the case.
The dinner was called off, but Trump expressed hope for a rescheduling within a month. Labeling the assailant as disturbed, Trump encouraged peaceful resolution of disputes, highlighting the event’s cross-party attendance.
However, he voiced worries about the location’s safeguards, describing it as insufficiently secure and emphasizing the importance of enhanced measures for major occasions.
FBI Director Kash Patel mentioned that investigators are analyzing ballistic materials, such as the firearm and casings, and interviewing witnesses in the continuing probe.
This shooting follows increased safety worries after two attempts on Trump’s life in 2024.
In one case, he sustained an injury from gunfire at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, before the attacker was neutralized by security. In another, an armed person was stopped near Trump’s golf facility in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Washington Hilton has a past of similar events, including the 1981 attempt on President Ronald Reagan, who was injured outside the hotel.
