Tag: Whitehouse

  • Trump Reacts Hours After White House Security Breach, Suspect Apprehended

    U.S. President Donald Trump spoke out hours after a security incident near the White House, calling his role “the hardest job” amid what authorities describe as an apparent assassination attempt.

    Trump said an armed man charged a security checkpoint before being subdued by the United States Secret Service. “A man with multiple weapons charged the checkpoint and was taken down,” he said, calling the suspect a “very sick person” and a “thug.”

    Secret Service Officer Survives

    The president confirmed a Secret Service officer was shot but survived thanks to protective gear. “He was saved by his bulletproof vest and is doing great,” Trump added.

    The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, where gunfire near a screening area caused panic and forced the evacuation of officials, journalists, and guests.

    Suspect in Custody

    Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen, who was arrested and is expected to face charges in court on Monday. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said Allen faces multiple charges, including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer.

    “This individual was intent on doing as much harm as possible,” Pirro said, adding that no one else was injured due to the checkpoint.

    Trump Urges Peace Amid Threats

    Speaking at a press briefing, Trump urged Americans to commit to peaceful resolution despite political tensions. “This is not the first time our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin,” he said.

    On whether he was the intended target, Trump responded cautiously: “I guess.” He described the dangers of political leadership, noting that even the best security cannot fully prevent determined threats.

    Trump said the incident would not affect his policy direction, including tensions involving Iran. Investigators continue to determine the suspect’s motive.

    Ongoing Security Concerns

    The Secret Service confirmed the shooting occurred at a screening area and is under active investigation. The scare adds to a series of threats Trump has faced in recent years, including a near-fatal attack during a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

     

  • Gunfire Scare Disrupts White House Dinner as Trump, Melania Evacuated

    United States President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated on Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., triggering panic among thousands of attendees.

    Gunman opens fire at security checkpoint

    The incident occurred at the venue’s main screening area when a man reportedly armed with a shotgun attempted to breach security and opened fire.

    A Secret Service agent was hit during the attack but escaped injury due to protective gear, officials confirmed.

    Panic as dignitaries rushed to safety

    Security operatives quickly moved the president, first lady, and other top officials out of the hall as confusion spread across the venue.

    Guests at the high-profile event were forced to dive for cover, while agents secured the premises.

    Senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, were also ordered to the ground during the operation.

    Suspect apprehended at the scene

    Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman was swiftly arrested and taken into custody without further casualties.

    The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California and is expected to face charges in court.

    Trump reacts, praises security response

    In a post shortly after the incident, Trump commended law enforcement for their swift action, stating that all senior officials were safe.

    “Shooter had been apprehended… Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job,” he said.

    He described the suspect as a “would-be assassin” who had managed to breach a key security layer before being stopped.

    Event cancelled amid security concerns

    The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was immediately called off following the incident, with Trump expressing hope that it could be rescheduled within 30 days.

    The development comes months after a previous security scare in July 2024, when Trump was rushed off stage during a campaign rally after gunfire, sustaining an injury to his ear.