President Donald Trump escaped injury Saturday night after a gunman armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington.
According to reports from France 24, the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, opened fire during the annual media event. Top White House officials were evacuated from the scene following the attack.
President Trump described the suspect as appearing to be a "lone wolf" and shared images on social media showing Allen in handcuffs on the floor of the Hilton lobby. While there is no confirmed evidence that the shooter intended to assassinate the President, CBS News reported that the suspect told law enforcement his goal was to shoot officials from the Trump administration.
Global leaders react to political violence
World leaders expressed shock following the shooting, which occurred less than 48 hours before King Charles III was scheduled to arrive in Washington for a state visit. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he was "shocked" by the event and called any attack on democratic institutions or the press a move that "must be condemned in the strongest possible terms."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed shock at the "attempted assassination," noting that he and his wife, Sara, were relieved the President and First Lady remained safe. Netanyahu praised the "swift and decisive action" of the US Secret Service and sent well wishes to a wounded police officer.
In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that "violence must never be the way" and sent her respect to the President and his wife. Canadian Prime Minister Carney echoed these sentiments, stating that "political violence has no place in any democracy."
Trump, who was expected to deliver a confrontational speech to the press corps, said he would rethink his tone for the rescheduled dinner, which is now expected to take place next month. France 24 reports that the attack took place during a period of historically strained relations between the Trump administration and the media.
