White House Correspondents' Dinner Gunman Apprehended; Trump: This Is Not The First Time Our Republic Has Been Attacked By A Would-Be Assassin

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was brought to a swift conclusion by gunfire on Saturday evening, resulting in the President, First Lady, and other top officials being rapidly escorted from the ballroom by Secret Service.

In video footage of the incident, about five to six shots could be heard before the crowds of journalists and administration officials began to take cover under tables, while security rushed in, blocking the President as he was being evacuated from the stage.

The President posted to Truth Social shortly after, confirming the apprehension of the gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”

While the President highlighted his desire to return to the Gala and “let the show go on,” law enforcement requested a full evacuation from the premises. Trump later assured Americans that the event would be promptly rescheduled.

The President gave a press conference at the White House Briefing Room shortly after, providing the public with more information about how the incident transpired.

One member of law enforcement was shot by the gunman, but was “saved by the fact that he was wearing an obviously very good bulletproof vest,” President Trump detailed, adding that he was struck at close range.

“This is not the first time in the past couple of years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin,” he stated, pointing to two previous attempts on his life in 2024. “In light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit their hearts to solving our differences peacefully.”

“I have studied assassinations,” Trump continued. “The people who do the most, the people that make the biggest impact are the ones that they go after. They do go after the one that don’t do much, because they like it that way… I hate to say I am honored by that, but I have done alot—we have done alot.”

Speaking of the gunman’s anti-Trump and anti-Christian motivations, Trump stated, “The guy is a sick guy when you read his manifesto. He hates Christians. That’s one thing for sure, he hates Christians, a hatred.”

Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Riverside, reacted to the incident, writing: “This serves as a sobering reminder of the tense and uncertain times we are living in. Acts of extreme violence and threats have become far too common, and it’s deeply concerning for our nation. It was only months ago that Charlie Kirk was assassinated. We should be praying for the safety of our president, our elected officials, and for the well-being, peace, and unity of our country.”

Franklin Graham, who was present at the event, thanked God for law enforcement’s swift action.

“I was at the Washington Hilton tonight for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as the guest of Newsmax President Chris Ruddy, and Greta Van Susteren and her husband John Coale,” he wrote. “We are still learning details, but I am grateful to God that the President of the United States is safe and that no innocent people were harmed. It could have been much worse. I’m tremendously thankful for our Secret Service and law enforcement. It was incredible to witness these highly trained experts spring into action to get President Donald J. Trump, the First Lady, and our nation’s leaders out quickly and efficiently.”

“I thank God that America has such a great leader,” Graham added. “Pray for our President.”