Donald Trump safe after security scare at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

President Donald Trump was unharmed and senior US officials were evacuated after a shooting outside the ballroom at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday night.

A gunman opened fire outside the venue, injuring a law enforcement officer, who was struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover, officials said. The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.

Speaking later at the White House, Trump said the attacker had multiple weapons and was stopped by the Secret Service. “He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” he said.

Panic spread inside the Washington Hilton as agents rushed into the ballroom and guests ducked under tables. Hundreds of journalists scrambled to call in updates as shouts of “Get down!” rang out. Trump briefly stumbled while being escorted offstage but was quickly helped to safety.

Security forces, including the National Guard, flooded the area as helicopters circled overhead. Authorities said the shooting occurred outside the subterranean ballroom where the dinner was being held.

The event was ultimately cancelled for the night. Weijia Jiang said it would be rescheduled, as staff began dismantling the setup inside the hall.

All officials under Secret Service protection were evacuated, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Political leaders reacted swiftly. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife were “praying for our country,” while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said the “violence and chaos in America must end.”

Some attendees reported hearing between five and eight shots. The ballroom was evacuated, and National Guard personnel secured the building as guests were allowed to leave in a controlled manner.

Republican Representative Mike Lawler said he initially heard a loud pop before confusion spread. “We didn’t know what it was,” he said, adding that rising threats against public officials reflect a broader problem.

The dinner had briefly appeared set to resume, with staff resetting tables and preparing Trump’s teleprompter, but the disruption forced organizers to call off the event.

Trump’s appearance at the dinner—his first as president during his current term—came amid ongoing tensions between his administration and the press. The event, hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, traditionally blends politics, media and entertainment, though it has increasingly reflected the strained relationship between the White House and journalists.

Nearly 500 retired journalists had signed a petition ahead of the event urging stronger opposition to what they described as threats to press freedom. Despite tensions, Jiang emphasized the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the administration, calling it “complicated” but “robust.”

A small group of protesters gathered outside the hotel ahead of the dinner, some carrying signs critical of the media and government.