Gunman Fires Near WHCA Dinner, Trump Evacuated

A gunman opened fire near the security checkpoint outside the main ballroom at the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday night, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other dignitaries from the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. The incident, which occurred around 8:15 p.m., resulted in no serious injuries, but one Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet that was stopped by his protective vest.

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, had registered as a guest at the hotel. Authorities said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, and he assembled a long weapon before charging through the security screening area and firing several shots. Witnesses reported hearing three to six gunshots, described as loud and echoing in the confined space near the lobby and restrooms. Allen was quickly subdued by law enforcement and taken into custody without further shots after he was brought to the ground.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was returning from the men's restroom on an upper floor adjacent to the ballroom, provided a firsthand account of the chaos. He described being just a few feet...