Gunshots were heard at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, prompting an immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other officials. According to the AP and other outlets, the event was held on the 25th (local time). Around 8:30 p.m., after Trump entered and the national anthem ceremony concluded, several sounds believed to be gunfire were heard. U.S. Secret Service agents reportedly rushed onto the stage and shouted “Shots fired.”

Trump, Melania, Vice President JD Vance, and other key figures, who had been dining at the head table on the stage, ducked under the table and then evacuated. Trump, Vance, and others were reported safe with no injuries. One man, identified as an agent at Creative Artists Agency, Michael Glantz, was seen calmly eating his salad while others ducked for cover. “I’m a New Yorker,” he told the New York Times. “We live with sirens and activity happening all the time. I wasn’t scared. There are hundreds of Secret Service agents hurtling themselves over tables and chairs, and I wanted to watch.” He also mentioned having a bad back and not wanting to get his new tux on the dirty Hilton floor.

Suspect Identified and Arraignment Scheduled

The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, a teacher from California, is expected to appear in court Monday, according to the U.S. attorney for DC. Investigators are combing through a message sent by Allen, who “clearly stated” he wanted to target administration officials, the White House said. According to La Razón, Allen was intercepted and detenied while attempting to enter the event. He was found with a shotgun and several knives. He is described as a “loco” and “lobo solitario” by Trump, who also said the ballroom was sealed, and Allen was far from the doors.

Secret Service agents shot at Allen but did not hit him before he was taken into custody near a staircase leading to the ballroom, according to a law enforcement source. An agent was reportedly shot but survived due to a high-quality bulletproof vest. “He was shot at point-blank range with a very powerful weapon, and the vest did its job,” Trump said in a press briefing. Another report noted that three detonations were heard outside the ballroom.

Trump’s Comments and Media Tensions

President Trump commended law enforcement for their quick response but took jabs at the press during an interview on “60 Minutes.” He became defensive when journalist Norah O’Donnell read an excerpt of the suspect’s reported writings, which didn’t mention Trump by name: “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.” Trump said O’Donnell “should be ashamed” of herself and accused her of being a “disgrace.”

Trump also stated that Allen was a “lone wolf,” a term used by the president to describe the suspect. Meanwhile, according to DIE ZEIT, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner includes a “Roast” — a comedic tradition where the president is humorously criticized but still respected. Trump, however, has not attended the event in either of his first or second terms.

Other Incidents and Reactions

Other videos from the event showed attendees filling up on wine and taking entire bottles with them after being allowed to leave. The atmosphere shifted dramatically from a night of humor and satire to one of heightened security and tension. The White House Correspondents’ Association has faced scrutiny for its role in the event, with some calling for changes to security protocols. No other injuries were reported, and the Secret Service was praised for its response. Trump emphasized that the Secret Service did an “excellent job” to prevent a potential assassination.