Secret Service Detains White House Dinner Shooting Suspect

Shots were fired during the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., at about 8:35 PM ET (01:35 BST), and a suspect was detained by the Secret Service, according to officials. Former President Donald Trump, who was at the event, was not injured. After the incident, he returned to the White House.

Authorities identified the detained individual as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Officials said one Secret Service officer suffered a non-fatal injury, with the officer protected by a bullet-proof vest. The investigation remained active as law enforcement worked to establish what led to the shooting.

Officials said Allen is expected to face formal charges in court on Monday. Authorities said they are still examining the motive. Initial reporting from CBS said Allen told authorities he was targeting Trump officials, though officials have not publicly detailed evidence supporting that account.

In California, FBI agents and police officers were searching an address linked to the suspect in Torrance, officials said. The searches were part of efforts to gather information about the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the incident in Washington. Authorities have not released additional details about what was recovered or whether any other individuals are being sought.

The shooting prompted reactions from international leaders. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and European Union diplomat Kaja Kallas expressed relief that attendees were safe and condemned the violence, according to statements. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on democratic institutions and press freedom.

Officials have not provided a public account of how the suspect accessed the area or the sequence of events leading up to the shots. Authorities also have not said whether the incident is being treated as an attempted attack on a specific individual or as a broader threat to the event. The investigation is continuing, with further information expected as court proceedings begin and law enforcement completes searches and interviews.