WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed off stage and evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel .
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, charged a Secret Service security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, officials said . He fired at a Secret Service agent, striking the officer in an area covered by protective gear. The agent was hospitalized but is expected to survive .
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump posted on Truth Social following the incident . The president later told reporters he “fought like hell” to resume the dinner but was told by security agents he had to leave .
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the investigation is “ongoing,” with agents already at the suspect’s home in Torrance, California . Interim Washington police chief Jeffery Carroll stated authorities believe Allen acted alone and was a guest at the hotel where the event took place .
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the suspect will face two federal charges: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Allen is expected to be arraigned Monday .
The dinner has been rescheduled to take place within the next 30 days, Trump announced during a White House press conference following the shooting .
