A man armed with a shotgun and knives was apprehended at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday night, resulting in a Secret Service agent being shot before the suspect was taken into custody.
The incident occurred as the annual gala was beginning at the Washington Hilton. The event, which brings together journalists, politicians and other dignitaries, was evacuated following the security breach.
What Happened
A suspect identified as Cole Allen charged toward a security checkpoint while armed with a shotgun and multiple knives, according to police reports and photographic evidence. A Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire during the confrontation but was protected by a bulletproof vest and survived without life-threatening injuries.
Allen was apprehended in the hotel lobby and pinned to the floor by Secret Service agents. Interim DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll stated the suspect appeared to be a lone actor and was likely a guest at the hotel, indicating no broader public threat existed.
Official Response
President Trump praised the law enforcement response, saying they did a “fantastic job” and acted “very quickly” in neutralizing the threat. He noted the agent was struck by a “very powerful gun” but expressed confidence in the protective equipment that saved the officer’s life.
At a subsequent press briefing, Trump described the suspect as a “sick person” and confirmed authorities were searching the suspect’s residence in California. Investigators are continuing to examine the motive behind the attack.
Event Cancellation
Organizers initially considered continuing the dinner, but by 9:45 p.m. announced the event would be canceled. The gala is scheduled to be rescheduled within 30 days.
Trump indicated he had “fought like hell” to proceed with the dinner, as he had prepared remarks to deliver. The incident marks one of the most significant security breaches at a major political gathering in Washington in recent history, prompting a review of safety protocols at the venue.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
