Former President Donald Trump was captured on video appearing unsteady as security agents assisted him off the stage following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The suspected gunman, identified as Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, armed with guns and knives, intruded into the Washington Hilton on Saturday night, causing chaos in the venue.
During the commotion, President Trump and other attendees were swiftly evacuated from the area. Vice President JD Vance was the first to be escorted out, followed by Trump and First Lady Melania Trump under the protection of security agents carrying automatic weapons. Footage shows Trump being aided by security personnel as he left the stage.
After the incident, Trump was temporarily held in the secure presidential suite at the hotel, where efforts were made to resume the event before the Secret Service recommended his return to the White House. Trump later mentioned that Melania was the first to recognize the danger, describing the moment as hearing a loud noise which turned out to be a gunshot.
Reflecting on the incident, Trump expressed his shock and urged for quick response during unexpected situations. The shooting disrupted the annual dinner event meant to celebrate journalism and the First Amendment, which drew extra attention as it marked Trump’s first attendance since becoming president.