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Gunfire Halts Correspondents’ Dinner With Trump Evacuated and a Suspect Held

Officials now say the suspect was detained outside the ballroom, focusing attention on how security failed at a press gala full of top officials.

Overview

  • Secret Service rushed President Trump, the first lady, and senior officials from the Washington Hilton ballroom after shots were fired in the hallway on Saturday night.
  • One Secret Service agent was hit but protected by a bullet‑resistant vest, and officials reported no injuries to guests.
  • The suspect, identified by the Associated Press as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, carried a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, and was subdued outside the checkpoint without being shot, the DC police chief said.
  • U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect will face federal charges, including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer, with a court appearance expected Monday.
  • Police canceled the dinner after early plans to continue, and organizers now aim to reschedule within 30 days as Trump shared security footage and a photo of the suspect and officials clarified he was in custody after conflicting early reports.