President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were rushed to safety during the White House Correspondents’ dinner in Washington, DC, after a man opened fire and attempted to breach a secured area.
According to BBC, the suspect in custody has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California.
He is expected to face formal charges during a court appearance on Monday, April 27.
In viral videos circulating on social media, Trump, Vance and other high-profile guests are seen seated at the main table as the event unfolds. Moments later, a sound confirmed to be gunshots is heard, prompting Secret Service agents to swiftly escort the President from the venue.
TRUMP RUSHED FROM STAGE AS SHOTS RING OUT
SHOOTER KILLED pic.twitter.com/ZZ4elIocQ6
— RT (@RT_com) April 26, 2026
The same security response is seen for Vice President JD Vance, while panicked guests are heard reacting in fear.
In clips viewed by TNX Africa, attendees are seen ducking under tables before being guided out once security confirmed the situation was under control.
Following the incident, President Trump told reporters the gunman allegedly carried multiple weapons and appeared to have acted alone.
He also confirmed that a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but said the injury was not life-threatening and the agent is expected to recover.
Trump later posted an image of the suspect lying on the ground surrounded by security personnel, alongside another post showing blurred CCTV footage of the suspect running past security agents who immediately drew their weapons.
He also reassured the public in a separate post that those in attendance were safe. The dinner has since been cancelled and is expected to be rescheduled in 30 days.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
It was initially unclear whether Trump was the intended target, though he later stated he believed he was.
The incident comes after two previous failed assassination attempts against him since 2024, further underscoring rising political tensions in the United States.
Reactions quickly spread online.
On TikTok, rapper and Trump supporter Nicki Minaj shared a video with prayer and American flag emojis, calling for prayers for the nation.
She had been expected to attend the event but posted while en route after learning of the shooting.
However, some users expressed doubt. On Instagram, Cathy wrote, “No one believes this.”