Gunman Fires at White House Correspondents' Dinner; Trump Evacuated Unharmed

At approximately 8:40 p.m. EDT, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, breached the main security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton and fired shots as the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner was underway — the first time Trump attended the event as president. Secret Service evacuated President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members. One Secret Service officer was struck by a round but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to fully recover. Allen was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. He was subdued by law enforcement and faces preliminary charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated investigators believe Allen was likely targeting Trump administration officials, 'including the President.' Trump later posted to Truth Social calling for construction of a secure ballroom on White House grounds.