Donald Trump shares first images of suspect after White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting scare

US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared the first images of the suspected gunman in custody following the security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Speaking at a press conference shortly after the shooting, Trump said the suspect was armed with “multiple weapons” and described him as being from California. In a separate social media post, he also shared a video clip that appeared to show the individual running through a security checkpoint before being apprehended.

The accused has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to law enforcement officials cited by the Associated Press.

Calling the episode “unexpected,” Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf” and a “whack job,” adding that security personnel acted swiftly to neutralise the threat.

‘Not the first time a Republican targeted’

Trump said he had initially intended to continue with the event despite the disruption, noting that he “fought like hell to stay” and carry on with the dinner. He added that he would not allow “these sick people, thugs, horrible people” to derail proceedings.

Reflecting on a broader pattern, he said it was “not the first time a Republican has been attacked,” suggesting that prominent figures are often targets. “I’ve studied assassinations — the people who make the biggest impact are the ones they go after,” he said.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were unharmed after the incident, which prompted the evacuation of senior officials from the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.

Authorities said the shooting occurred outside the ballroom where the event was being held. No immediate injuries were reported, though details of the incident remain limited.

The event was called off and will be rescheduled within the next 30 days, Trump said in a social media update.

In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed the suspect is in custody and said its Washington field office is leading the investigation.