Moments of terror at the gala dinner for White House correspondents , organized at the Hilton hotel in Washington , in the presence of US President Donald Trump , First Lady Melania , Vice President JD Vance and some ministers.
A man walked past the metal detector at the entrance and opened fire before being stopped by Secret Service agents, one of whom was shot.
The sound of the shots triggered panic in the reception hall: Trump (who even fell in the most frantic moments) and his wife were carried out by security, and bodyguards and agents rushed into the room with guns drawn . Members of the government were also rushed away, while journalists and guests hid under the tables. Then the all-clear was given.
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the attacker targeted members of the Trump administration. The man in custody is Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old engineer from California. "He traveled by train to Chicago and then reached Washington, where he checked into the hotel where the gala was being held," Blanche added.
When the event resumed, Trump held an impromptu press conference, reporting on the incident. "The man who opened fire is sick and had a lot of weapons ," the president said. "I think he's a lone wolf," and "my profession is dangerous," the tycoon added. "This isn't the first time in the last couple of years that Republicans have been attacked or killed. In light of this evening, I'm asking Americans to resolve their differences peacefully . This applies to Republicans, Democrats, independents, and progressives," Trump continued. "I spoke to the injured Secret Service agent, and he's fine; the bulletproof vest did its job," the president also explained.
Washington Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said investigators believe the suspect was staying at the hotel and that this allowed him access to the gala dinner . Carroll added that the suspect was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but that he was not struck by gunfire.
Numerous messages of solidarity have reached the US president from heads of state and government , including one from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni : "I wish to express my full solidarity and sincere sympathy to President Trump, First Lady Melania, Vice President Vance, and everyone present for what happened at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last night," the Prime Minister wrote on social media. She added: "No political hatred has any place in our democracies. We will not allow fanaticism to poison the places of free debate and information. The defense of the civilization of debate must remain the insurmountable barrier against any intolerant drift, protecting the values that found our nations."
(Unioneonline/lf)