Trump Likely Target in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting, Says US Acting Attorney General

U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that former President Donald Trump was likely the intended target of a shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held in Washington, D.C.

According to officials, a suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed at a security checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton before being subdued and arrested. Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump were immediately evacuated from the venue as security protocols were activated.

Blanche told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that, “It does appear that he, he did, in fact, set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president,” adding that the suspect may have traveled across multiple cities before reaching Washington.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect will face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, attempted murder, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. Investigators are also examining whether there is any foreign link to the attack, though no confirmed connection has been established.

Trump later told reporters that the Secret Service agent targeted in the incident survived due to a bulletproof vest and is in stable condition. The former president also stated he believed he was the primary target of the attack, noting he has survived previous assassination attempts since 2024.

Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a California resident believed to have acted alone. Reports suggest he may have traveled from the West Coast before reaching Washington.

Officials said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and knives. He reportedly entered the hotel as a guest before reaching restricted areas. Investigators are now focusing on how security was breached at one of Washington’s most high-profile events.

The incident caused panic inside the ballroom, where approximately 2,600 attendees, including senior U.S. officials, were present. Security forces evacuated the venue while armed personnel secured the area.

International leaders condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on democratic values and expressing relief that no high-level officials were killed.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to analyze security footage and determine the suspect’s motive.