Cole Tomas Allen identified as suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: A suspect has been identified after a shooting scare rattled the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday, April 25.

Karol Markowicz was among the first to put a name to the face, identifying the suspected gunman as Cole Tomas Allen. She posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the suspect is a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, and is already in custody.

“The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent's Dinner is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, and he is in custody,” she wrote.

Right-wing commentators Laura Loomer and Benny Johnson also named the same individual as the suspect.

Meanwhile, CNN reported that authorities have confirmed the suspected gunman is a male from California, though officials have yet to release additional details.

Shots fired at the Washington Hilton spark chaos

The evening took a turn when gunfire erupted inside the Washington Hilton, during one of the capital’s most high-profile gatherings.

According to The Associated Press, attendees reported hearing between five and eight shots. Authorities, however, have yet to provide a full account of what unfolded.

Security quickly moved to evacuate top officials, including President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Vice President JD Vance was also rushed out. All were confirmed unharmed.

Roughly 30 minutes later, Trump took to Truth Social with an initial update, writing that a “shooter has been apprehended.”

Jeffery W Carroll, interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, said the suspect was "armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives."

Trump praises quick and brave response

The president praised law enforcement while acknowledging the night had been thrown off course.

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

The commander-in-chief later confirmed plans to address the press and said officials were following protocol in clearing the venue.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days," he informed.

Outside the ballroom, US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro described the moments after the shots rang out.

“I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired. The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel. I just spoke to Mayor Muriel Bowser. She is on her way, and (Police) Chief Jeffery Carroll is on his way. He will be in charge as soon as he gets here," she said.

Trump calls for unity

In the press conference, Trump urged Americans to dial down the rhetoric. "I asked that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolve our differences peacefully," he said. "We have to resolve our differences. I will say you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals and progressives."

He also confirmed that a law enforcement officer was shot during the incident, but credited protective gear with preventing a worse outcome. "One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest," Trump noted. "He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job."

"I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great. He's in great shape. He is, it's very high spirits," the president added.