Armed Attacker Opens Fire on Agent at White House Event, Suspect Held: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was heavily armed and attempted to storm a security checkpoint before being stopped by the United States Secret Service.

“That was very unexpected, but incredibly acted upon by the Secret Service and law enforcement,” Trump told reporters at the White House, a day after he and other top officials were evacuated following gunfire outside the ballroom.

“A man charged a security checkpoint with multiple weapons and was taken down by very brave Secret Service personnel,” he said.

AGENT SHOT, ARMOUR SAVES HIM

Trump said a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but escaped injury because of a bulletproof vest.
“He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump said. An official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the suspect fired at an agent, who was hit in a protected area and was not harmed.

SUSPECT IDENTIFIED

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, according to law enforcement officials cited by The Associated Press. He was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

Trump later said on Truth Social that the shooter had been apprehended.

TARGET UNCLEAR

Asked whether he was the intended target, Trump said, “I guess,” adding that authorities were still investigating the motive. He described the attacker as “probably a lone shooter.”

TRUMP, MELANIA SAFE

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the venue after the suspect allegedly tried to breach security.

All officials present at the event were reported safe.