Trump and officials 'likely' targets of press dinner shooting suspect, authorities believe

Officials said the suspect would be formally charged in federal court on Monday with assault of a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was shocked and condemned attacks on democratic institutions and press freedom; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commented on the safety of those present.

WHCA president Weijia Jiang called the attack harrowing and thanked Secret Service for protecting attendees; she noted the WHCA board would meet to determine how to proceed and would issue updates as available.

Trump was rushed off the stage and later delivered a briefing from the White House. He said: 'I can't imagine that there's any profession that's more dangerous.' He thanked the Secret Service and urged people to resolve their differences peacefully.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and his officials were the 'likely' targets of the gunman. The FBI's criminal division and terrorism task-force are investigating the incident. The suspect was named by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen; authorities also noted he was carrying two guns and knives, and a family member alerted police after writings sent to relatives.

Gunshots rang out in the foyer of the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The president, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice-President JD Vance were rushed out of the room. Police said the suspect fired his weapon and was carrying two guns and knives. One family member alerted police after receiving writings from him before the attack. The suspect, from Torrance, California, was taken to hospital for evaluation after exchange of fire with officers. The room was briefly locked down and attendees were ushered out as the event was rescheduled.

In September 2024, a suspected gunman was spotted hiding in the bushes of his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed President Trump's ear.