Washington: Images of the suspect who fired a gun at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner have been released. U.S. President Donald Trump released images and videos of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association party Saturday night via his social media account, Truth Social, after he and the First Lady were urgently evacuated from the event.
According to Thai News Agency, the clip, released by U.S. President Donald Trump on his online media platform, Truth Social, shows security camera footage of a man running through a metal detector and main security checkpoint located in the lobby of the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., the venue for the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last night. He was immediately stopped by Secret Service agents and police officers who drew their weapons.
Later, Trump posted a photo of what he identified as the perpetrator, handcuffed behind his back, lying face down on the hotel carpet with several officers standing nearby. Trump stated that he released these images for transparency and said that the Secret Service agents acted bravely and swiftly.
Several US media outlets have revealed details of the suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Information indicates he works as a teacher. Authorities found several weapons in his possession, including a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. It is initially believed he acted alone and is thought to be a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the event was being held. One Security Guard officer was shot at close range but is in stable condition as the bullet is lodged in his bulletproof vest. The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to be brought before a federal court on Monday. He faces multiple serious charges, including the use of a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, which are considered high-profile offenses carrying long prison sentences.
The White House Correspondents' Association dinner was immediately canceled following the incident and will be rescheduled within 30 days. Trump affirmed that he will not allow anyone to destroy our society.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President Jedd Vance, and other cabinet members are safe after being immediately escorted and evacuated from the event venue upon hearing the gunfire, and were subsequently taken to the White House.