At the Washington Hilton where President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981, tragedy was narrowly averted 45 years later.
President Donald Trump and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night. One law-enforcement official said a shooter opened fire.
Reports are the shooter is 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. However, Trump did not give that name during his presser.
Trump called the shooter a “sick person,” a “lone wolf whackjob,” and a “thug who attacked our Constitution” during remarks at the White House after the event, noting that the “man charged a security checkpoint, armed with multiple weapons.”
“It’s not a particularly secure building,” Trump said, arguing for his White House ballroom and saying the Secret Service and military had been “demanding it.”
“Today, we need levels of security that probably nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump added.
Trump said that the assailant was “probably a lone shooter,” but the investigation is still ongoing.
He said the event was “shocking” in real time, and he thought it was a tray dropped.
“It was quite far away, but it was a gun,” Trump said.
Trump, who has had numerous attempts on his life in the last couple of years, noted that he’d studied assassinations, and “the people who make the greatest impact are the ones they go after … very impactful people.”
“I hate to say I’m honored by that,” Trump said. “But I’ve done a lot.”
The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests ducked under tables by the hundreds.
Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s speech — was immediately evacuated. Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight.
One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest. He is expected to recover. Some reports say he was Secret Service.
Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro posted a short video from the hotel after the incident, saying, “I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke to Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is on her way and (Police) Chief Jeffery Carroll is on his way. He will be in charge as soon as he gets here.”
Trump took to Truth Social to say the following after being evacuated: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
Ultimately, the show will go on at a future date.
Florida politicians and leaders are expressing support for the President and gratitude for his safety.
“Thankful for the quick and brave response of the Secret Service and law enforcement,” said Sen. Ashley Moody.
“Thank God everyone at the WHCA is safe tonight. I’m incredibly grateful for the heroic and dedicated work of the Secret Service in moving quickly to neutralize the threat and protect POTUS, FLOTUS, and everyone else. Ann and I are keeping everyone in our prayers. We will never let chaos, crime, and violence succeed. Law and order WILL prevail,” said Sen. Rick Scott
“God Bless our Secret Service agents and all of our brave law enforcement who are always ready to protect (President Trump), (VP Vance), all elected officials, and the people attending the #WHCD. In times of crisis, we are all Americans. Let’s remember that,” said U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds.
“G-d spared his life for a third time tonight so he can continue to save the world and America. We witnessed another miracle. I will always have your back, Mr. President. Thank you for fighting the fight in the face of such evil monsters out there. Keeping you and your entire family in our prayers tonight. Please stay safe.” said U.S. Rep. Randy Fine.
“I am at the #WHCD. I want to thank law enforcement, Capital police. I personally want to thank Steve Scalise who grabbed me into a secure room,” said U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
“The Department of Homeland Security, an agency Democrats have refused to fund for over 70 days, includes the United States Secret Service, the brave men and women who protect our nation’s leaders and safeguarded hundreds of Americans tonight,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos
“Praying for everyone’s safety tonight at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner following reports of a shooting. Grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and first responders,” said U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis.
“Praying for the President and First Lady, and thankful for the quick action of the USSS in protecting him. God bless the USA,” posted former House Speaker and current candidate for Governor Paul Renner.
This is a developing story.
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Reporting used with permission of the Associated Press
