Trump Says He 'Wasn't Worried' During Shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner
President Donald Trump has spoken calmly about the frightening moments he experienced on Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C.
In an interview aired on Sunday, he told reporters that he “wasn’t worried” as Secret Service agents rushed him, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel. Gunshots were heard around 8:35 pm local time in the foyer area above the main event, leading to a swift and chaotic evacuation.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, attempted to breach a security checkpoint while armed with two guns and several knives. Law enforcement officers exchanged fire with him, injuring one Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest and has since been discharged from hospital. Allen was quickly subdued and arrested without being shot. He is expected to appear in court on Monday facing charges that include assault of a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Authorities believe he travelled to Washington by train and may have been targeting senior administration officials.
Trump later praised the Secret Service for their quick actions and thanked journalists for their coverage of the incident. He described the event as part of living in a “crazy world” and noted that he did not make the evacuation easy for his protection detail because he wanted to understand what was happening. A document reportedly linked to the suspect, described by some sources as a manifesto, has been examined by investigators. It allegedly expressed strong anti-Trump and anti-Christian sentiments. The suspect’s family had earlier contacted police after receiving communication from him.
This is the third known security threat against Trump in recent years, following an assassination attempt at a rally in 2024 and another incident at his golf club. World leaders, including the UK Prime Minister and leaders from Canada and Australia, have condemned the violence and expressed relief that no one was seriously hurt. The White House Correspondents’ Association described the evening as harrowing but commended the rapid response that protected thousands of guests. The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by public figures and the importance of strong security at major events. Investigations by the FBI and other agencies continue as the country reflects on the need for peaceful resolution of differences.
