The United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump was Saturday rushed to safety from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard at the venue.
The suspect was arrested. An officer was shot at close range, but his bullet-proof vest saved him.
According to US media reports, the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the annual dinner was underway.
The President and First Lady Melania Trump appeared to be part way through a conversation at the Washington Hilton when he was interrupted by a commotion at the White House table.
According to BBC, loud bangs could be heard and then various secret service members escorted the president away from the venue as they called out “stay down, stay down”.
The president, first lady and all other protectees are safe, the Secret Service said later, after seven to eight gunshots were fired.
Speaking to the press after the incident, US attorney for Washington, Jeanine Pirro noted that the suspect is facing two counts for using firearm during crime of violence and assault on federal officers using dangerous weapon.
She says the suspect will be arraigned before a federal court on Monday.
This is the third shooting or attempted shooting that has taken place around Donald Trump in just the last few years.
What we know about the suspected attacker
The alleged gunman who fired shots at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner a few hours ago has been named as Cole Tomas Allen, according to US media.
Photo of the suspect in custody, shared by Donald Trump
The 31-year-old is reportedly from Torrance, California in the south-western suburbs of Los Angeles.
CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, says Allen worked as a tutor in Torrance after graduating from the highly regarded California Institute of Technology.
Police say he was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was taking place, and was carrying multiple weapons – including guns and knives.
Allen is receiving hospital treatment following the incident. He is expected to be formally charged on Monday.
“I can’t imagine there’s any profession that’s more dangerous,” Trump said in the briefing room.
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