Donald Trump escaped unhurt from his third suspected assassination attempt after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old teacher Cole Tomas Allen, stormed the hotel lobby armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that the president and members of his administration were believed to be the targets.
A Secret Service agent was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest, and the attacker was apprehended before entering the ballroom where Mr Trump was to address over 2,500 guests. Mr Allen allegedly sent a manifesto to family minutes before the attack, in which he called himself the 'Friendly Federal Assassin' and expressed hatred of Christians. President Trump described him as 'a very troubled guy' who 'hates Christians'.
The sound of gunfire sent attendees scrambling for cover as armed agents ushered the president and first lady to safety. Magician Oz Pearlman, who was performing nearby, described it as the 'scariest moment of my life', saying he lay on the ground a few feet away from Mr Trump, their eyes locked. Mr Trump later addressed reporters at a late-night news conference, calling the suspect a 'lone wolf whack job'.
Mr Allen has been charged with using a firearm and assault on a federal officer, with more charges expected. This incident follows two previous assassination attempts on Mr Trump in 2024: one at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, and another at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The president insisted the shooting would not affect King Charles's state visit, praising the monarch as 'brave' and 'a fantastic person'.
