New Delhi (India) April 26:US President Donald Trump and first lady were sitting for a dinner at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday evening when a 31-year-old man from California managed to make his way to the Washington Hilton with several guns and a plan.
Cole Thomas Allen from Torrance, California is the shooter who is now in custody. He is identified as the man who opened fire outside the hotel before being stopped at a checkpoint just prior to entering the ballroom in which President Trump and other guests were seated.

Gunman Opens Fire Near White House Dinner

The annual White House press dinner, taking place at the Hilton Hotel in Washington on Saturday night, was disrupted by panic when the shooter was able to gain entry into a checkpoint before being confronted and firing shots; President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance, though not harmed, were evacuated.
At approximately 8:34 p.m. Local time, dinner was already being served when the occurrence began; President Trump was pictured in conversation with White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang.

Attendees described hearing five to eight gunshots, and the crowded ballroom filled with journalists, celebrities, and national politicians was subsequently evacuated; though members of the National Guard had moved in, the area remained tightly controlled.

Videos Show Suspect being Restrained by Police

The President had shared a video showing the shooter attempting to storm the area where he was located, still firing gunshots; the video then revealed law enforcement officers restraining the shooter.
Another video that was posted on his Truth Social account showed the suspect lying on the ground after being subdued by authorities with his hands tied behind his back. 

Trump Praises Swift Law Enforcement Response

In a swift reaction to the occurrence, President Trump took to Truth Social to acknowledge the Secret Service and law enforcement for their "quick and brave" actions in detaining the shooter.
"Quite an evening in DC 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 said.

Trump: One Officer Injured But Saved by Vest

Donald Trump also stated that the perpetrator had several guns in his possession prior to being apprehended by Secret Service and that a single officer was injured during the incident but protected by a bulletproof vest.
"A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service... One officer was shot, but saved... the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great," he said.