Shots fired, guests duck, Vance whisked away: A blow-by-blow of press gala chaos
A gunman opened fire outside the White House press dinner and was taken into custody. The breach triggered panic, evacuations and a sweeping security lockdown at the venue.
A heavily armed gunman carrying a shotgun attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night (US time), firing at a Secret Service agent outside the venue before being overpowered and taken into custody, officials said.
The agent was struck at close range but survived due to a bulletproof vest and is in "good shape", US President Donald Trump said later, describing the response as swift and decisive.
BREACH ATTEMPT OUTSIDE, CHAOS INSIDE
According to officials, the suspect charged toward the main screening area at the Washington Hilton – from a distance of about 50 yards – carrying multiple weapons and opened fire as he tried to break through security.
An FBI official confirmed the attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who was hit in protective gear and not injured.
Closed-circuit footage later released showed the suspect running rapidly through the checkpoint before being "totally subdued and under control" by responding personnel, Trump said.
JD VANCE WHISKED AWAY
As gunshots rang out outside the ballroom, chaos erupted inside the packed hall hosting over 2,600 guests. Attendees screamed "Get down, get down!" and dived under tables, while waitstaff fled toward the exits.
Armed Secret Service agents in combat gear stormed the venue, some taking positions on stage and pointing rifles into the crowd.
Agents rushed to the stage, first escorting Vice President JD Vance and then moving President Trump moments later. Videos circulating on social media show agents rushing toward Vance and quickly ushering him backstage before he was taken out of the venue.
Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, who was seated next to the Vice President, described the episode on X as a "surreal night".
"Secret agents swept VP Vance, who was seated next to me, into the back. I laid on the floor for a few minutes as agents scanned the room, guns drawn, looking for threats," she wrote.
Also, present was Getty Images photographer Andrew Harnik, who captured the moment Vance was escorted away, along with several other images from the chaotic ballroom, documenting the tense sequence of events as they unfolded.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ducked behind the dais before being rushed offstage. At one point, Trump briefly stumbled while being escorted but was quickly helped up by agents.
Security personnel also forced senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, to the ground as part of emergency protocols.
Trump remained backstage for about an hour as the situation was stabilised. The dinner, a marquee Washington event, was eventually cancelled, though the President later said it could be rescheduled.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY, PROBE UNDERWAY
Authorities confirmed the suspect is in custody. Law enforcement officials have identified him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, though formal confirmation is awaited.
Trump described the attacker as a “sick person” and said initial assessments suggest he may be a “lone wolf” actor. Federal agents are conducting searches, including at the suspect’s residence.
SECURITY LOCKDOWN, NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED
Following the shooting, the hotel was placed under a tight security lockdown. National Guard personnel were deployed inside the building, while guests were allowed to leave but not re-enter.
Outside, law enforcement flooded the premises and helicopters circled overhead as authorities secured the area and began a full-scale investigation.
The Secret Service said the shooting occurred near the main screening zone, raising questions about perimeter security at the high-profile venue.
A heavily armed gunman carrying a shotgun attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night (US time), firing at a Secret Service agent outside the venue before being overpowered and taken into custody, officials said.
The agent was struck at close range but survived due to a bulletproof vest and is in "good shape", US President Donald Trump said later, describing the response as swift and decisive.
BREACH ATTEMPT OUTSIDE, CHAOS INSIDE
According to officials, the suspect charged toward the main screening area at the Washington Hilton – from a distance of about 50 yards – carrying multiple weapons and opened fire as he tried to break through security.
An FBI official confirmed the attacker fired at a Secret Service agent, who was hit in protective gear and not injured.
Closed-circuit footage later released showed the suspect running rapidly through the checkpoint before being "totally subdued and under control" by responding personnel, Trump said.
JD VANCE WHISKED AWAY
As gunshots rang out outside the ballroom, chaos erupted inside the packed hall hosting over 2,600 guests. Attendees screamed "Get down, get down!" and dived under tables, while waitstaff fled toward the exits.
Armed Secret Service agents in combat gear stormed the venue, some taking positions on stage and pointing rifles into the crowd.
Agents rushed to the stage, first escorting Vice President JD Vance and then moving President Trump moments later. Videos circulating on social media show agents rushing toward Vance and quickly ushering him backstage before he was taken out of the venue.
Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, who was seated next to the Vice President, described the episode on X as a "surreal night".
"Secret agents swept VP Vance, who was seated next to me, into the back. I laid on the floor for a few minutes as agents scanned the room, guns drawn, looking for threats," she wrote.
Also, present was Getty Images photographer Andrew Harnik, who captured the moment Vance was escorted away, along with several other images from the chaotic ballroom, documenting the tense sequence of events as they unfolded.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump ducked behind the dais before being rushed offstage. At one point, Trump briefly stumbled while being escorted but was quickly helped up by agents.
Security personnel also forced senior officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, to the ground as part of emergency protocols.
Trump remained backstage for about an hour as the situation was stabilised. The dinner, a marquee Washington event, was eventually cancelled, though the President later said it could be rescheduled.
SUSPECT IN CUSTODY, PROBE UNDERWAY
Authorities confirmed the suspect is in custody. Law enforcement officials have identified him as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, though formal confirmation is awaited.
Trump described the attacker as a “sick person” and said initial assessments suggest he may be a “lone wolf” actor. Federal agents are conducting searches, including at the suspect’s residence.
SECURITY LOCKDOWN, NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED
Following the shooting, the hotel was placed under a tight security lockdown. National Guard personnel were deployed inside the building, while guests were allowed to leave but not re-enter.
Outside, law enforcement flooded the premises and helicopters circled overhead as authorities secured the area and began a full-scale investigation.
The Secret Service said the shooting occurred near the main screening zone, raising questions about perimeter security at the high-profile venue.
