'He stayed in the fight': Secret Service agent who confronted Trump's gunman honored with WHCA Award

WASHINGTON, DC: Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales, who confronted the armed suspect during the April shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD), received the WHCA President's Award for Exceptional Service on Thursday, July 24. The White House Correspondents' Association recognized his actions in helping stop the attack before it escalated.

The honor was presented during the rescheduled WHCD after White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang praised Gonzales for engaging the gunman as he charged through a security checkpoint. According to the Secret Service, Gonzales continued confronting the suspect even after a bullet struck his protective vest.

Secret Service officer Victor Gonzales receives WHCA President's Award

Presenting the award, Jiang reflected on the events of the April dinner, saying the response by law enforcement ensured that thousands of attendees were able to leave safely.

"That evening in April did not unfold as planned, but it ended exactly like it was supposed to. Two thousand six hundred guests plus hundreds of others who were working that night got to go home unharmed. And that was made possible by the brave men and women of law enforcement and the United States Secret Service," she said.

Jiang singled out Gonzales' actions during the confrontation, describing how he continued engaging the suspect despite being struck by gunfire.

"One officer placed himself directly in harm's way and engaged the armed suspect. Even after gunfire struck his protective vest, he stayed in the fight, and the attacker was stopped."

She added, "His courage that night reflects the core values of the Secret Service: duty, justice, courage, honesty, and loyalty, and is a commitment to safeguarding his country and community."

WHCA recognizes law enforcement response during April White House dinner attack

The association also recognized employees of the Washington Hilton, who assisted guests during the emergency and later preserved and donated roughly 2,000 meals prepared for the original dinner after the event was cut short.

Federal prosecutors allege that suspect Cole Tomas Allen stormed the Washington Hilton during the April White House Correspondents' Dinner in an attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump.

According to authorities, Gonzales confronted the suspect after he breached the security checkpoint, continuing to engage him even after a bullet struck his protective vest and preventing him from advancing further into the venue.

Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and multiple firearms offenses. He remains in federal custody and faces the possibility of life imprisonment if convicted.