A man has been taken into custody following a shooting incident at a high-profile media dinner attended by Donald Trump in Washington, with authorities confirming he will be charged in court on Monday.
The incident happened on Saturday night during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Gunshots were heard shortly after the event began, causing panic among guests and prompting an immediate security response.
Armed security personnel quickly moved in, securing the area and evacuating top officials, including Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior government figures.
Guests, many dressed for the formal event, were forced to take cover under tables before being safely led out of the venue. Despite the chaos, authorities confirmed that no guests or dignitaries were injured.
Officials said the suspect, believed to be acting alone, forced his way through a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby around 8:36 p.m., leading to a confrontation with law enforcement officers.
According to Metropolitan Police interim chief Jeffrey Carroll, the man was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. He was subdued during the exchange and taken into custody.
A Secret Service officer was hit during the incident but was protected by his vest. He was taken to hospital and is said to be in stable condition.
The suspect, who was not injured, was initially taken to hospital for evaluation before being moved into custody. Authorities say he is expected to be arraigned on Monday on charges including use of a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer.
While officials have not formally released his identity, several US media reports have identified him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California.
Speaking after the incident, President Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf,” noting that his motive remains unclear but suggesting the attacker may be mentally unstable.
Investigations are ongoing as security agencies continue to piece together how the suspect gained access to the venue and what may have led to the attack.
