A shooting scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner triggered panic as a gunman opened fire outside the venue. From guests taking cover to Donald Trump’s swift evacuation, here’s how the chaos unfolded in pictures.
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1 / 9What happened: A shooting incident on Saturday, April 25, disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, where US President Donald Trump was present. A man armed with guns and knives stormed the hotel lobby outside the dinner venue and opened fire, triggering panic and immediate security action. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 9Trump evacuated safely: Secret Service agents quickly evacuated Trump, along with other senior officials and guests, from the venue. Reports say the response was swift and followed standard security protocol. (Image: Reuters)
3 / 9Panic inside banquet hall: Guests, including journalists and officials, ducked under tables after hearing loud noises believed to be gunshots. The event quickly descended into chaos. The annual dinner, being held at the Washington Hilton, was eventually called off. Authorities later confirmed it would be rescheduled. (Image: Reuters)
4 / 9Suspect carried multiple weapons: According to law enforcement and Trump’s statement on Truth Social, the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Officials said the attacker attempted to enter the secured area of the venue before being stopped by security personnel. Shots were fired during the confrontation. (Image: AP)
5 / 9Suspect identified, believed to be a ‘lone wolf’: The attacker was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. He was taken into custody at the scene. Trump and officials indicated the suspect may have acted alone. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no immediate sign of a wider threat. (Image: Reuters)
6 / 9One officer injured, no civilian deaths: At least one law enforcement officer was hit but survived due to protective gear. No deaths of attendees have been reported so far. (Image: AP)
7 / 9Investigation underway: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said charges will be filed soon. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining evidence and questioning witnesses. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 9Trump reacts after the incident: Trump later addressed the situation, praising security forces and calling for calm. He also indicated the event would be held again soon. (Image: Reuters)
9 / 9Not the first security scare: This incident adds to a series of past threats and shooting-related security scares involving Trump. In 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was injured when a bullet grazed his ear in an assassination attempt. (Image: Reuters)