Shooting shatters elite Washington event, Trump escorted out urgently

An unidentified gunman opened fire on April 25 at an event hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association at the Washington Hilton hotel, where US President Donald Trump and members of his administration were present.

The dinner, attended by around 2,600 guests, was being broadcast on Fox’s YouTube channel. Secret Service agents quickly evacuated the president and First Lady Melania Trump from the venue.

According to the New York Post, the shooting occurred near the entrance to the banquet hall, close to metal detectors. Trump later confirmed that the suspect had been detained.

“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

One police officer was injured in the incident, with a bullet striking his body armor, according to the Associated Press.

Officials from the administration and the Secret Service confirmed that all high-profile attendees, including the president, the first lady, and cabinet members, are safe. The area has been secured, and investigative actions are ongoing at the hotel. The event, which was interrupted by the shooting, is expected to be rescheduled for a later date.

New York Post journalist Karol Markowicz reported that the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31. According to CBS News and other outlets, he was a hotel guest and was carrying multiple types of weapons. Formal charges are expected to be filed on Monday, April 27, as authorities continue to investigate his motives, movements, and possible connections.

By Jeyhun Aghazada