Chaos erupted at the White House correspondents' dinner on Saturday night when gunshots were heard, prompting the evacuation of US President Donald Trump and the first lady. The incident, which left a Secret Service officer injured, has raised fresh questions about security arrangements and the climate of political violence in the United States.
The annual event, held at the Washington Hilton, descended into panic shortly after 8.30pm as around 2,000 guests, including journalists and officials, dived under tables. Secret Service agents rushed the president and his cabinet members to safety. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was taken into custody after being intercepted at a security checkpoint.
Allen attempted to breach the checkpoint carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun and knives. He managed to fire, striking a Secret Service officer whose ballistic vest prevented serious injury. Authorities confirmed Allen was a guest at the hotel and have secured his room for investigation. No criminal record has been found for him in Los Angeles county.
The dinner was cancelled but is expected to be rescheduled. The incident has prompted scrutiny of security protocols and renewed concerns about political violence, coming amid heightened tensions in the US political landscape.
