President Donald Trump releases footage after being evacuated from tonight’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner where a shooting incident took place. In the aftermath, federal police have arrested and charged a 31-year-old California man, Cole Tomas Allen.
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Nicki Minaj, Who Was Running Late To White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Reacts To Shooting
On Saturday (April 25), Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) taking place inside Washington, D.C.’s Hilton Hotel — where an assassination attempt was previously made on former President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981.
Furthermore, Trump’s appearance marked the first time he attended the WHCD as president. He’s previously attended the event in 2011, but only as a guest. It’s also noted that the event marked a turning point in Trump’s relationship with press. He’s famously battled the media during both of his presidential terms. Additionally, before attending tonight’s event, Trump previously called to boycott these dinners as he’s publicly battled the press.
During the incident at the WHCD, Trump was seated on the stage. First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, mentalist Oz Pearlman, White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) President Weijia Jiang, and more joined the president’s table. At the time of the shooting incident, heavily-armed guards rushed the stage. they then locked down the ballroom and hauled away Trump and his cabinet. Officials prevented anyone from coming in or out of the room.
Rapper Nicki Minaj was also confirmed and scheduled to attend the WHCD. However, she was running late and never made it inside before the shooting took place. The rapper ended up reacting to the incident online. She took to her TikTok account and shared a video of herself, glammed up, inside of her chauffeured car. In her caption, she simply wrote two emojis: the American flag and prayer hands.
White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Suspect Identified As 31-Year-Old California Man Cole Allen
Officials have confirmed Secret Service agents exchanged shots with the suspect, identified as Torrance, California resident Cole Allen, 31. He is accused of attempting to breach the security checkpoint in the hotel lobby. Officials alleged he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
Cole, who is believed to be a hotel guest, allegedly shot one Secret Service agent before being taken down and into custody. Authorities said the Secret Service agent shot during the incident was sent to an area hospital to recover. The gunman was also taken to a hospital. Although he wasn’t shot, he was sent to be evaluated.
In initial updates, authorities charged Cole with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence, plus assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. According to social media, Allen is an alum of Cal State University, Dominiguez Hills, and an alum of CalTech. He is also a teacher and video game developer.
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Following the shooting, President Donald Trump shared two messages on Truth Social. In his first, he wrote:
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
President Trump then updated Americans and said:
“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
In President Trump’s press conference, he further addressed the shooting and suspect. He confirmed authorities learned the suspect’s name, but weren’t yet releasing it. He only identified the suspect as a 31-year-old man from California. Trump also released footage and photos of the suspect during the security breach and takedown.
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