A lone individual armed with multiple weapons attempted to breach a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump, as stated by the US president. Chaos ensued at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night, leading to the swift evacuation of Trump, who had previously been the target of an assassination attempt. Despite one officer being shot, he was protected by his bulletproof vest and taken to the hospital.

The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was found carrying a shotgun and handgun. He was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the incident took place. Charges, including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, have been filed against him, with the possibility of additional charges, according to acting attorney general Todd Blanche.

Following the shooting, Trump addressed the media and shared images on his Truth Social platform showing the apprehended suspect. Describing the individual as a “lone wolf whack job,” Trump commended the secret service for their swift action and reassured that the gunman did not come close to breaching the ballroom where he was seated.

Mayor Muriel Bowser stated no indication of additional suspects, while Blanche emphasized the contrast between the cowardly act and the commendable response of law enforcement. Trump announced plans to reschedule the event within the next 30 days. The incident at the Washington Hilton recalls a past assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr in 1981, leading to enhanced security measures at the property.