Key Points
- Trump says shooting will not change his Iran policy or war stance
- Gunfire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner triggers mass evacuation
- Suspect identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, taken into custody
- Secret Service and security forces quickly secure venue amid chaos
- One officer injured but protected by bulletproof vest, expected to recover
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has declared that a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner will not deter his administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, even as he acknowledged uncertainty over the motive behind the attack.
Speaking to reporters at the White House shortly after the incident, Trump said he did not believe the shooting was directly connected to the Iran war, though he did not entirely dismiss the possibility.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it, I really don’t think so, based on what we know,” the President said.
Earlier, however, Trump had suggested that investigators were still examining all possible motives, adding, “You never know.”
Security breach at high-profile event
The incident occurred on Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., a major event attended by senior government officials, journalists, celebrities, and political figures.
According to law enforcement sources, a gunman opened fire near the venue, triggering immediate panic inside the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was being held.
Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior officials.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as attendees were instructed to take cover. Some guests reported hearing between five and eight gunshots before security personnel rushed to secure the hall.
Reports said people ducked under tables, while others fled or were escorted out by security teams. The event, which initially appeared likely to resume, was ultimately cancelled for the night and postponed.
Suspect identified and arrested
US authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he has been taken into custody.
According to early reports, the suspect was armed with multiple weapons and fired at a security checkpoint near the entrance to the event. One Secret Service officer was reportedly struck while wearing a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said preliminary charges include firearms offences and assault on a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon, though she indicated that further charges are likely as the investigation continues. The suspect is expected to appear in federal court on Monday.
Trump praises security response
Following the evacuation, Trump returned to the White House where he praised the Secret Service for their swift response. He stated that the suspect had been stopped before reaching the main ballroom where he was seated.
“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump told reporters, referring to the injured officer.
The President also described the incident as a reminder of the risks associated with public office. Being President, he said, is “a dangerous profession” and added that threats and attempts of violence were “part of the job.”
Chaos inside the venue
Eyewitness accounts described dramatic scenes inside the Washington Hilton. Security personnel reportedly shouted instructions for attendees to get down as loud bangs were heard.
Many of the 2,600 guests, including journalists and officials, took cover while Secret Service agents and armed officers secured the building.
Some cabinet members, including senior officials, were reportedly pushed to the ground as agents responded to the perceived threat. Others were quickly escorted out through secured exits.
Helicopters were seen circling above the hotel as National Guard personnel and additional law enforcement units established a perimeter around the area.
Investigation and initial assessment
Authorities have stated that the incident is being treated as a serious security breach, though early indications suggest the suspect may have acted alone.
Trump himself referred to the attacker as a “lone wolf,” while also describing him as appearing “pretty evil” based on initial observations.
However, officials have cautioned that the investigation is still in its early stages and no definitive motive has yet been established. Some reports indicated that federal agents were conducting searches at the suspect’s residence in California.
Cancelled diplomatic visit
In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump also confirmed that a planned diplomatic visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan had been cancelled.
The delegation was reportedly due to hold discussions related to Iran, as part of ongoing efforts to explore diplomatic channels amid rising tensions.
The White House said the decision was taken in light of the security incident and evolving developments in Washington.
Political and public reaction
The attack prompted immediate reactions from political leaders across party lines. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife were “praying for our country,” while Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called for an end to “violence and chaos” in the United States.
White House Correspondents’ Association president Weijia Jiang confirmed that the event would be rescheduled, stating, “We will do this again.”
Outside the venue, small groups of protesters had already gathered prior to the incident, highlighting ongoing political tensions surrounding press freedom and the Trump administration’s relationship with the media.
Background of heightened security concerns
The shooting comes amid already heightened security concerns in the United States, particularly following previous assassination attempts against Trump during his political career.
Authorities have noted that large public events involving senior officials remain high-risk environments requiring extensive protective measures.
The Washington Hilton, where the dinner was held, has also been the site of past security incidents and remains one of the most closely monitored venues during major political gatherings.
The investigation into Saturday night’s shooting remains ongoing, with federal authorities continuing to examine evidence, motive, and potential security lapses.
Trump has indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
