by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – U.S. authorities have charged a suspected gunman after a shooting disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, forcing Donald J. Trump to be rushed from the venue and the event to be postponed, officials said Sunday.
The incident marks the latest shooting involving the 79-year-old president, who has faced multiple security threats and assassination attempts in recent years, underscoring ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States.
Footage reviewed by Worthy News showed chaos unfolding late Saturday at the Washington Hilton hotel, where gunfire erupted near a security checkpoint outside the main ballroom.
Jeanine Pirro said the suspect faces charges including using a firearm in a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
SUSPECT IDENTIFIED, AGENT PROTECTED
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation ahead of an expected court appearance Monday.
Officials said the gunman fired at least one shot at security personnel. A U.S. Secret Service agent was struck, but the bullet hit a protective vest and the officer is expected to recover.
Investigators believe the suspect acted alone, though the motive remains under investigation.
PANIC AS ATTENDEES TAKE COVER
The shooting triggered panic among attendees, including senior government officials, journalists, and diplomats.
Secret Service agents rushed Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet members out of the ballroom as guests ducked under tables.
Among those fleeing was the widow of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, who was seen crying as she was escorted to safety, Worthy News observed. Her husband, a prominent born-again Christian activist, was assassinated last year in a separate attack that shocked the Christian and political community.
Among others present at the event was U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also known as Secretary of War, who was seen being moved to safety by security personnel as the situation unfolded, according to footage and witness accounts reviewed by Worthy News.
DINNER HALTED, SECURITY QUESTIONS RAISED
The incident abruptly halted what was meant to be Trump’s first appearance at the dinner as a sitting president, a high-profile event attended by political leaders and journalists.
The dinner was postponed as authorities secured the area and began their investigation.
The shooting is likely to renew debate about security at major political gatherings, amid broader concerns over rising political violence.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
Authorities said there is no immediate indication of additional suspects, but a full investigation is underway into how the attacker breached the security perimeter.
Trump later confirmed that senior officials were safe and praised law enforcement for their rapid response.
The latest incident adds to a pattern of threats and violence surrounding high-profile U.S. political figures, raising fresh concerns about safety in an increasingly polarized American society.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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