Suspect Fires Shots Outside White House Correspondents' Dinner, Prompting Evacuation of Trump and Attendees

Authorities apprehended the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California, at the scene.

Allen, armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives, attempted to charge a security checkpoint, firing at least five to eight gunshots, according to two law enforcement sources. A Secret Service agent was struck by at least one round but was protected by a bulletproof vest and is expected to recover fully, officials said. None of the attendees were seriously injured.

Allen was not struck by gunfire but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. President Trump posted a photo on social media showing the shirtless suspect on the hotel floor with his arms tied behind his back after detention. Security camera footage released by Trump on social media depicted the gunman running past security officers disassembling metal detectors after the president was seated in the ballroom.

Additional attendees were not permitted to enter the secured area once Trump was seated. Allen told law enforcement following his arrest that he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials.

Metropolitan Police Department, Jeff Carroll, stated at a late-night news conference that the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, which allowed him to breach the outermost layer of security. Carroll added that the security plan, developed by the Secret Service, worked as intended that evening.