A shooting incident briefly disrupted a high-profile dinner honoring media representatives at the White House late Saturday evening, prompting an immediate security response and the evacuation of attendees. Authorities confirmed that Donald Trump and all participants were unharmed.
According to U.S. media reports and official statements, the incident occurred shortly after the commencement of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual event attended by senior government officials, journalists, and invited guests. The gathering included approximately 2,600 attendees, among them the First Lady and Vice President JD Vance.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage indicate that shortly before the shooting, a note was discreetly shown to President Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, signaling a potential security concern. Moments later, the sound of gunfire was heard, causing alarm among attendees. Several individuals were seen taking cover, while United States Secret Service agents swiftly escorted the president out of the hall.
Security personnel immediately secured the venue, with some officers drawing their weapons as a precautionary measure. Law enforcement agencies subsequently ordered the event to be suspended and the venue cleared to ensure public safety.
In a statement released following the incident, President Trump described the evening as “extraordinary” and praised the rapid and professional response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies. He confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended alive and taken into custody.
“I have recommended that the event continue,” President Trump said in his statement, “but we will fully comply with the guidance of law enforcement authorities under the current circumstances.” He further assured the public that the First Lady, Vice President, cabinet members, and all attendees were safe and accounted for.
The president also indicated that organizers plan to reschedule the event within the next 30 days.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that the suspect attempted to breach the security perimeter while armed and discharged a firearm at a Secret Service agent. The agent was not injured, and the situation was quickly brought under control.
According to reports from Fox News, the suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas, a resident of Torrance, California. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, and investigations are ongoing.
Officials emphasized that the swift coordination between federal and local law enforcement agencies prevented what could have been a far more serious incident. Additional security assessments are expected in the coming days as authorities review the breach and response protocols.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner remains one of the most prominent annual events in Washington, symbolizing the relationship between the U.S. presidency and the press corps. Saturday’s incident marks a rare security disruption at the traditionally high-security gathering.
