Officer Shot at White House Dinner
A shooting happened Saturday night at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. It took place at the Washington Hilton in Washington.
The shooting was near the security screening area outside the ballroom. A Secret Service officer was shot but wore a bulletproof vest.
The officer was released from hospital. Trump was not hurt.
Guests lay on the ground during the shooting. Most guests were taken out of the building.
Some left as soon as the first shots were fired. The dinner was cancelled.
Trump asked for it to be rescheduled within 30 days. Sources say the suspect was armed with a shotgun and a handgun and multiple knives.
He reportedly exchanged gunfire with Secret Service near the screening area. The suspect is Cole Tomas Allen aged 31 from Torrance in California.
Allen works as a teacher in Los Angeles. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said charges will be filed soon.
No motive was known right away. Trump said the venue was "not a particularly secure building."
Key Terms 4
- White House Correspondents' Dinner Annual event where journalists and politicians gather in Washington
- Secret Service US government agents who protect the president and other leaders
- Acting Attorney General Temporary top law officer in charge of US justice
- screening area Place where guests are checked for weapons before entering