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During the annual dinner for White House correspondents, US President Donald Trump and senior officials were safely evacuated following gunfire outside the hotel ballroom. The shooter, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly admitted to targeting Trump administration members. According to reports from CBS News, the suspect expressed intentions to harm officials from the Trump administration after his arrest.

Interim police chief of Washington, DC, Jeffery Carroll, indicated that the shooter likely acted alone, although the exact motive remains unclear. Carroll stated, "At this point, it does appear (the suspect) is a lone actor, a lone gunman." The suspect was reportedly a guest at the hotel and was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives when he approached a Secret Service checkpoint.

As he attempted to breach the checkpoint, he was intercepted by Secret Service agents, leading to an exchange of gunfire. President Trump addressed the media, confirming that the shooter was armed with multiple weapons but was thwarted by the Secret Service. Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn remarked, "Tonight, a coward attempted to create a national tragedy. He underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact. The strength of our layered security posture was evident, with a myriad of countermeasures still ahead. Grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service and our valued Law Enforcement partners."