U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 25th (local time) that in connection with the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner, "The perpetrator rushed toward the security checkpoint while carrying multiple weapons and was subdued by Secret Service (SS) agents." Trump said he believes it was a targeted attack aimed directly at him, but that it was a lone act and likely unrelated to Iran, with which the United States is at war.
Trump held a news conference in the James Brady Briefing Room at the White House just before midnight, about two hours after the incident. He was still in the tuxedo he had worn to the event. Standing beside him in tuxedos were Vice President JD Vance, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Trump opened the briefing by saying, "It was very unexpected." Authorities identified the shooting suspect as Cole Allen, 31. The residence was reported as Torrance, California.
Trump called him a "lone wolf whack job," a "villain," and a "nutcase." He added, "The (suspect) attacked our Constitution."
Trump said the suspect "had a long way to go. He didn't even get through the ballroom doors," indicating the suspect failed to enter the dinner hall. According to Washington law enforcement, the suspect opened fire at a security checkpoint about 45 meters from the dinner hall and was apprehended. During his remarks, Trump described the dinner hall as a "very, very secure room."
In the process, one Secret Service agent was reportedly hit by a shotgun. However, the agent was not injured. Trump said, "He was hit by a very powerful gun at very close range. But the bulletproof vest did its job." He added, "I just spoke with the agent. He is doing very well. He is in very good spirits." Trump praised the agent as a hero. He said, "The Secret Service and law enforcement acted very quickly and very bravely."
Asked whether he thought the incident targeted him, Trump said, "It seems so." He added, "When I have influence, people target me. When I don't have influence, they leave me alone," indirectly suggesting his policies create enemies.
He continued, "The presidency is a dangerous job. Danger comes with it." He also said, "People say that when you go through something like this, many become a basket case. I am not a basket case," he asserted. Observers said he again projected the image of a strong leader, as when he raised a fist with a bloodied face at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.
On the possibility of links to Iran, Trump dismissed it, saying, "I don't see it that way." The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Iran on Feb. 28 and has been engaged in cease-fire talks since. Protesters opposing strikes on Iran shouted slogans outside the venue until just before the event. But with Trump himself ruling out outside hostile forces' involvement, a clear conclusion was put on hold. Trump said, "Investigators will reveal the motive within days," adding, "The suspect is in custody and authorities are asking many questions."
Trump also relayed firsthand how first lady Melania, who was seated right next to him at the time, reacted. The first lady was not present at the 2024 Butler shooting or the Florida golf course assassination attempt. This was the first time she was at the center of a shooting threat. Trump said, "Melania said many times, 'You have a dangerous job,'" adding, "That's the same for her. It's dangerous for her, too."
Trump also drew a line on the possibility of strengthening security going forward. He said, "We should be safer, but no matter how good the personnel, even if you have the best protective personnel in history, if there is a psycho whose mind is a little twisted, or a lot twisted, you can't stop it." Trump revived his longstanding idea of building a larger, safer ballroom inside the White House. He repeatedly stressed, "This incident united us."
This is the third direct shooting threat Trump has faced since his presidential campaign. On July 13, 2024, at an outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, fired about eight rounds with an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle from a building rooftop about 200 to 300 yards (about 183 to 274 meters) from the stage. At the time, Trump sustained a through-and-through wound to the upper part of his right ear.
Two months later, on Sept. 15, at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was discovered by the Secret Service after lying in wait for 12 hours beyond the fence of the sixth hole with an SKS rifle. Routh was later sentenced to life in prison.
The U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., said at a separate briefing that Allen is expected to appear for arraignment on the 27th. He is likely to face charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Acting Attorney General Blanche said, "The investigation is ongoing and a formal indictment will be filed soon." FBI Director Patel also said, "We are reviewing all ballistic evidence, including the long gun and shell casings. Witness statements are also underway." Interim Washington Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said, "At present, it appears to be a lone act, a lone gunman."
After Trump left the White House briefing, the dinner hall was cleared. The presidential podium on the stage was also removed. Trump said he would hold the canceled dinner event "on a larger scale within 30 days."