Trump ‘not worried’ during evacuation
US President Donald Trump said he “wasn’t worried” as he was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunfire erupted at a Washington DC hotel on Saturday night.
Speaking to CBS programme 60 Minutes, Trump said: “I understand life. We live in a crazy world,” adding that he initially resisted evacuation as he wanted to see what was happening before realising the seriousness of the situation.
The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place. Trump, First Lady Melaniam and Vice-President JD Vance were rushed from the venue by Secret Service agents.
Suspect identified as Californian man
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California.
Authorities say Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives when he entered the hotel. Investigators believe he travelled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago before continuing to Washington DC.
Officials said the suspect “barely broke the perimeter” before being intercepted by security forces.
Gunfire and swift security response
At approximately 20:35 local time, gunshots rang out near a security checkpoint inside the hotel. Reports indicate between five and eight shots may have been fired.
Security personnel exchanged fire with the suspect, who was ultimately detained and taken to hospital for evaluation. An officer who was injured during the incident has since been discharged, with officials noting that a bulletproof vest likely prevented more serious consequences.
The event was immediately locked down, and attendees were later evacuated as authorities secured the building.
Possible motive and ‘manifesto’ under investigation
According to preliminary findings shared by US Attorney General Todd Blanche, the suspect was “likely” targeting senior members of the Trump administration.
Investigators are examining a document believed to be linked to Allen, described by US media as a manifesto. The document reportedly outlined intentions to target officials “from highest-ranking to lowest,” while indicating that others could be harmed if necessary.
The FBI’s criminal and counterterrorism units are leading the investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed a definitive motive.
Background of the suspect
Allen is described as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher. He studied at the California Institute of Technology and later completed a master’s degree in computer science at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
He worked part-time as a tutor and had previously been recognised as a “teacher of the month” by an education organisation. Online records indicate no declared political affiliation, though he reportedly made a small political donation during the 2024 election cycle.
Trump criticises media, praises security
During the aftermath, Trump praised the Secret Service, calling them “great people” and stating that those present owed them “a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
He also clashed with journalist Norah O’Donnell when questioned about the alleged manifesto, calling the line of questioning inappropriate.
Despite frequent criticism of the press, Trump thanked journalists for what he described as responsible coverage of the incident and urged Americans to “resolve our differences peacefully.”
Global condemnation and political reactions
The attack drew swift international condemnation. Former US President Barack Obama said the incident was a reminder that “violence has no place in our democracy.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described himself as “shocked,” while Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed relief that those present were safe.
Third assassination-related incident
The Washington press dinner shooting marks the third known threat against Trump in recent months. In July 2024, he was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania, and in September 2024, a suspected gunman was discovered near his Florida golf club.
The latest incident is expected to intensify debates around political violence and security at high-profile events in the United States.
Also read: Trump rushed off stage after shots fired at White House event
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