US President Donald Trump was evacuated by the Secret Service from the White House Correspondents' Dinner on the evening of 25/4 after shots were fired. "A man with multiple weapons stormed the security checkpoint," Trump stated during a subsequent press conference at the White House.

According to police, the suspect appeared to be acting alone and was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. Fox News identified him as Cole Tomas Allen, 31 years old, from Torrance, California. He may have been a guest staying at the Washington Hilton hotel.

Surveillance video, posted by Trump on social media, shows the suspect quickly running through a metal detector. Security forces immediately turned towards the suspect and aimed their weapons. Officers then pursued and apprehended the suspect; he was not hit by gunfire.

Moment the suspect ran past a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel on 25/4. Video: Truth Social/realDonaldTrump

Trump commended the US Secret Service and law enforcement for acting "very quickly" to stop the suspect before he could enter the ballroom. President Trump revealed that an officer was shot at close range but was saved by a bulletproof vest. "I just spoke to that officer," he said, adding that "he is doing very well now."

The US President stated he released the video on social media to show "the violent actions of the thug who attacked the Constitution," as well as "how quickly the Secret Service and law enforcement acted."

When asked if he was the suspect's target, Trump replied, "I think so." Based on available information, the US leader did not believe the incident was related to the conflict in the Middle East. Nevertheless, President Trump indicated that actions he has taken against Iran could make him a target, but he would not back down.

The suspect being apprehended at the Washington Hilton hotel on 25/4. Photo: Truth Social/realDonaldTrump

According to the US President, the incident highlights the need for tighter security. He also suggested that the Washington Hilton hotel "is not a particularly secure building" and referenced a ballroom project currently under construction at the White House, which will be equipped with anti-drone measures and bulletproof glass.

"This is not the first time in recent years our republic has been attacked by someone who wanted to be an assassin," he said, urging the American people to "resolve our differences peacefully."

Trump believed the party should not have been canceled, adding that he had wanted to stay but ultimately left at the request of security forces, as agents were unsure if there were other threats. The US President stated the event would be rescheduled within the next 30 days, to be "bigger, better, and even more beautiful."

The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an annual event organized by the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), first held in 1921. This year's event had approximately 2,600 attendees.

This marked Trump's first attendance at the dinner in over a decade, and his first as president. Each year, the WHCA invites the sitting president, but Trump had declined in previous years.

Pham Giang (According to Fox News, AP, Reuters)