Gun scare at WHCD: Secret Service foils breach as Trump evacuated
A security scare disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, after an armed suspect attempted to breach the venue, prompting the swift evacuation of President Donald Trump and other top officials.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen and a part-time teacher from Torrance, California, was reportedly seen running toward the ballroom at the Washington Hilton before being stopped by law enforcement officers.
The event was attended by the President, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
According to media reports, the United States Secret Service engaged the suspect after he allegedly attempted to breach security, with gunshots heard outside the ballroom as guests were being served their first course.
Washington, DC police confirmed that the suspect, who was a guest at the hotel, was apprehended and is currently in custody while receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Authorities have since secured his hotel room as part of the ongoing investigation.
Speaking at a joint press briefing, Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said the motive behind the incident remains unclear, adding that the suspect was not previously known to law enforcement. He emphasized that the presence of gunfire did not indicate a failure in security.
“The checkpoint where the suspect was apprehended was there for a reason, and it worked,” Carroll stated.
Meanwhile, US Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect is facing multiple charges, including two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon.
He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
Following the incident, the dinner was briefly halted before authorities ordered a full evacuation of the premises.
Weijia Jiang, chairperson of the White House Correspondents’ Association, later confirmed that all attendees were safe.
President Trump initially suggested that the event should proceed despite the disruption, posting on Truth Social that the suspect had been apprehended and recommending that organisers “let the show go on.”
However, law enforcement ultimately decided to clear the building as a precaution.
The President later called for the dinner to be rescheduled within the next 30 days, expressing confidence that such incidents would not disrupt future official engagements.
US Secret Service Director Sean Curran reassured the public, stating that managing security threats at high-profile events is routine for the agency.
