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Trump recounts evacuation after gunfire erupts at DC event
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he remained calm during his evacuation from the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday after gunshots rang out near the venue. Speaking to CBS News' 60 Minutes on Sunday, Trump stated, "I wasn't worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world."
Suspect identified and charged
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested after allegedly firing near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was held. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on Monday, facing charges of assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a violent crime. Authorities recovered two guns and knives from Allen, who was later taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The FBI's terrorism task force and criminal investigators are leading the probe. U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed preliminary findings suggest Allen may have targeted senior White House officials in attendance, though his motive remains under investigation.
Security response and alleged motive
Secret Service agents swiftly evacuated Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance after gunfire erupted at approximately 8:35 p.m. local time (00:35 GMT). Video footage showed agents rushing Vance from the ballroom moments before Trump's evacuation. During the 60 Minutes interview, Trump admitted he initially resisted leaving, saying, "I wanted to see what was happening." He later praised the Secret Service, calling them "great people."
An officer injured during the incident was released from the hospital after his bulletproof vest prevented serious harm. Secret Service communications chief Anthony Guglielmi credited the vest with averting "a potential tragedy."
Law enforcement sources told U.S. media that Allen had posted anti-Trump content on social media. A document believed to be linked to Allen, described as a manifesto, reportedly outlined plans to target Trump administration officials "from highest-ranking to lowest." While hotel guests and staff were not primary targets, the document stated they would be attacked if necessary to reach officials. The suspect's brother alerted Connecticut police after receiving the document, prompting immediate federal notification.
Reactions and aftermath
White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang, who was seated next to Trump during the attack, called the incident "harrowing" and thanked the Secret Service for protecting attendees. In a Sunday statement, the White House described Trump as "fearless" after surviving the attempt, which it labeled an "assassination attempt."
Trump addressed reporters in formal attire later that night, praising the Secret Service and urging national unity. "We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude," he said, adding, "We must resolve our differences peacefully." Despite past criticisms of the media, he commended journalists for their "responsible coverage" of the attack.
World leaders condemned the violence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it "shocking," emphasizing that attacks on democratic institutions "must be condemned in the strongest possible terms." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese both expressed relief that attendees were unharmed.
Background and broader context
This marks the third assassination attempt against Trump. In July 2024, a bullet grazed his ear at a Pennsylvania rally, and in September 2024, a suspected gunman was found hiding near his Florida golf club. Saturday's event was Trump's first White House Correspondents' Dinner as president; he last attended in 2011 as a private citizen.
Former President Barack Obama, who spoke at the 2011 dinner, weighed in on Sunday, stating, "It's incumbent upon all of us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy." He also praised the Secret Service for their bravery.
Allen, who identifies as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher on LinkedIn, traveled from his home in Torrance, California, to Washington, D.C., via train, according to investigators. His residence is currently being searched by authorities.
