Shots rang out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, sending the annual star-studded event into chaos as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania were dramatically rushed from the ballroom by Secret Service.
In a press conference shortly after the shooting unfolded, Trump confirmed that ‘two people were very badly hurt,’ from the Secret Service detail on hand.
Panicked attendees reportedly dove under tables for cover as armed agents swarmed the Washington Hilton after the gunman allegedly opened fire near the event’s main security screening area.
Trump, Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were confirmed safe, while the president confirmed suspect is now in custody as authorities investigate the terrifying incident.
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Breaking:Trump confirms ‘two people badly hurt’ in press conference
Trump says shooter may have acted as ‘lone wolf’
President Trump said that Cole Tomas Allen acted as a ‘lone wolf whack job’ on Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton.
‘Who would do that but a sick person?’ he told reporters.
‘But I think you’re gonna find everything about him. No reason to talk about it now, but tomorrow at this time, long before this time, you’re gonna know a lot of things about him. They seem to think he was a lone wolf, and I feel that too,’ he said.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche expects charges will be filed ‘shortly’ against WHCD gunman
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said he expects to see charges filed against the alleged White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter, 30-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, shortly.
“This investigation is ongoing. I expect you will see charges filed shortly,’ he said at a press conference with President Donald Trump at the White House hours after the shooting.
‘The charges should be self-evident given the conduct, but as you’ll hear, there will be multiple charges surrounding the shooting around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get.’
Breaking:White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter identified
The suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified as a California teacher.
A source told the Daily Mail that Cole Tomas Allen, 30, is the alleged shooter who opened fire at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.
The educator from the Los Angeles area has since been apprehended by law enforcement.
Breaking:Gunman pictured on Trump’s Truth Social account
The White House Correspondent’s Dinner gunman was pictured on Trump’s Truth Social account on Saturday night.
The image shows the perp on the ground shirtless with his hands behind his back as security hovered above him.
Donald Trump says officer shot at WHCD is ‘in great shape’ and pleads for citizens to tone down rhetoric after shooting
Donald Trump said the Secret Service agent shot at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is doing well as he pleaded for peace following the incident.
Distraught Erika Kirk rushed to safety after gunman opens fire on White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Erika Kirk is ‘okay but very upset’ after being rushed to safety when a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The widow of Charlie Kirk was among the first to be evacuated from the Washington Hilton on Saturday night not long after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were bundled out.
The head of Turning Point USA was said to be physically well but distraught according to Turning Point Action sponsor Derek Myers.
Daily Mail reporters heard three to four shots at scene of the shooting
Daily Mail reporters in attendance reported hearing three to four shots and hearing Secret Service agents yelling to get down.
Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired.
The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s speech — was immediately evacuated.
Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight.
It was not immediately clear what happened. A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter but no further details were immediately available.
Trump confirms Correspondents’ Dinner gunman in custody
Trump confirmed the gunman was in custody in a post to Truth Social.
‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.’
Press conference to be held shortly in wake of Correspondents’ Dinner shooting
A press conference is set to be held by President Trump shortly in response to the shooting that unfolded at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this evening.
No injuries have been reported so far and the president has since confirmed the shooter has been ‘apprehended.’
He and the First Lady were ushered out of the hotel shortly after shots rang out and returned to the White House.
Trump and Melania rushed out of White House Correspondents’ Dinner
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a shooter opened fire.
DC‘s biggest night of the year was plunged into chaos after shots rang out in the lobby of the Washington Hilton at around 8.15pm.
The President and First Lady were immediately taken to safety followed by members of the cabinet.