Shots Fired at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Trump Unhurt as Suspect Identified

The alleged gunman who fired shots at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen.

Allen is reportedly from Torrance, California, in the south-western suburbs of Los Angeles. According to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, he worked as a tutor after graduating from the California Institute of Technology.

Police say he was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was taking place, and was carrying multiple weapons, including guns and knives. He is currently receiving hospital treatment and is expected to be formally charged in federal court on Monday.

Authorities say the suspect allegedly told investigators he was targeting officials linked to US President Donald Trump. CBS News, citing unnamed sources, also reports that between five and eight gunshots were fired during the incident.

How the incident unfolded

At about 20:35 ET, shots were heard at the Washington Hilton, prompting guests to take cover. Secret Service agents quickly rushed President Trump and escorted him and members of his cabinet out of the room.

At 21:17, Trump confirmed on Truth Social that the suspected gunman had been apprehended. He later left the venue at the request of law enforcement.

At 22:30, Trump addressed the media from the White House alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche, stating that initial impressions suggested the suspect acted alone.

Shortly before 23:00, US media identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, and live images later showed police searching a property in Torrance, California.

Authorities have indicated that formal charges will be filed as investigations continue.

BBC