Donald Trump had to be evacuated from the White House correspondents’ dinner following an incident where an alleged gunman attempted to enter the ballroom armed with guns and knives. The event, attended by approximately 2,500 guests including journalists and high-ranking US officials, took a terrifying turn as gunshots rang out, prompting chaos and panic as attendees sought shelter under tables.

The swift evacuation saw Donald and Melania Trump safely removed from the scene, with the President escaping unharmed. Vice President JD Vance and other prominent figures present were also swiftly escorted to safety. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was apprehended at the hotel. Initial investigations suggest that Allen, who had travelled from California by train and checked into the Washington Hilton hotel, had intentions to target administration members present at the dinner.

Acting US attorney general Todd Blanche stated that Allen is expected to appear in court on Monday as authorities continue to delve into the incident. The National Guard was summoned to the hotel in response to the shooting incident, where law enforcement officers successfully controlled the suspected shooter, Cole Tomas Allen. The President later shared a photo of Allen online, referring to him as a “would-be assassin.”

The intense situation at the White House correspondents’ dinner left attendees in shock, with emotional scenes unfolding as individuals were escorted out of the building. The suspected shooter, who was previously recognized as a teacher of the month in Torrance, California, further added a chilling dimension to the alarming turn of events.