Panic swept through the Washington Hilton on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, prompting Secret Service agents to evacuate President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials from the venue. According to Antigua.news, no injuries among attendees were reported.
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California. Security officers exchanged gunfire with Allen before taking him into custody. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, and appeared to have acted alone.
President Trump shared a photo on social media appearing to show the shirtless suspect restrained on the floor of the Washington Hilton hotel.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as shots rang out inside the ballroom. Trump and top officials were safely escorted from the premises. As reported by Antigua.news, police allege Allen intended to target Trump administration officials. He is expected to face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearms offences.
The FBI has launched a broader investigation into the incident, including searches at locations linked to the suspect in California. The attack disrupted one of Washington's most prominent annual political gatherings and sent shockwaves through the capital.
