Kerry Kennedy praises Jamie Raskin’s ‘heroic’ response amid shooting scare
WASHINGTON, DC: Lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy has praised Rep Jamie Raskin (D-Md) for his “heroic” actions during a shooting scare that disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner in Washington.
Kennedy, the sister of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, recounted the dramatic moments in a social media post late Saturday, describing how Raskin shielded and reassured her as panic unfolded inside the Washington Hilton ballroom.
“I hit the floor at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner mid conversation with Rep Jamie Raskin, who heroically protected me, whispering, ‘You’re ok, you’re ok, you’re ok,’” she wrote.
Kennedy added that journalists and guests scrambled for cover, with many taking shelter under tables and chairs.
Kennedy describes panic inside Washington Hilton ballroom
The longtime activist called the incident “terrifying,” echoing the sentiments of others present at the high-profile gathering attended by political leaders, media figures and celebrities.
She described a sudden escalation in tension when security forces stormed the venue. “Then the doors burst open, and scores of Secret Service agents rushed into the room, many with hands on holsters,” she wrote, noting that officials were quickly escorted out.
Secret Service evacuates top officials, including Trump
President Donald Trump, attending the event as sitting president for the first time, was evacuated along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Moments later, Trump addressed the press from the White House, striking a note of unity despite the chaos. “The room was totally unified,” he said, calling the shared experience “a very beautiful thing to see.”
FBI probes armed suspect detained after incident
According to reports, the shooting occurred above the ballroom. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen of California, was allegedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives.
He was taken into custody following the incident, and the FBI has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Kennedy expressed gratitude to security personnel and colleagues, singling out Raskin for his support. “I am still grateful to the brave Secret Service, to my friends at The Boston Globe, and most especially to Rep. Jamie Raskin,” she said.
