Donald Trump has shared footage appearing to show a suspected shooter sprinting past members of the Secret Service before gunshots rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
The incident unfolded shortly after the event began at the Washington Hilton on April 25, marking Trump’s first appearance at the dinner since taking office.
He attended alongside First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and a crowd of journalists and government figures, with attendees reportedly greeting the president warmly at the start of the night.
That atmosphere quickly shifted when a suspected gunman was seen running into the hotel lobby and several shots were fired during the event.
Trump later posted blurred video to Truth Social that appears to capture the moments just before the pursuit. In the footage, several people believed to be security personnel and Secret Service officers are positioned in the lobby when a figure suddenly charges past them, prompting agents to draw their weapons and chase after the suspect.
The president was evacuated immediately after the shots were fired.
“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately… The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition… I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”
Trump also commended security for their rapid response, calling it ‘quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service’.
“Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”
After the arrest, the suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Sources cited by CBS News said Allen told investigators he intended to target officials connected to Trump.
Washington, D.C., police chief Jeffery W Carroll said Allen had been staying at the hotel hosting the dinner.
Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for Washington, said Allen is facing charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers with a dangerous weapon.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court on Monday (April 27).
One round struck a uniformed officer who was wearing body armor; the officer was taken to hospital for treatment. Many attendees later said they felt relieved the situation did not result in more severe injuries.