Share and Follow
A Secret Service officer who sustained a gunshot wound during an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night is reportedly “in great shape,” according to President Trump.
During a Saturday night press conference, Trump shared that the officer’s life was spared thanks to a highly effective bulletproof vest. “One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest,” Trump stated, adding that the officer was receiving medical care at a local hospital.
“He was shot at very close range with a powerful gun, and the vest did its job,” Trump explained. “I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great. He’s in great shape. He is in very high spirits.”
NBC has since reported, citing a source, that the officer has been discharged from the hospital.
The incident unfolded when suspected gunman, 31-year-old Cole Allen, allegedly breached a security checkpoint and advanced toward the event while armed with two guns and multiple knives, according to police and sources. In response, President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and several senior administration officials were swiftly evacuated from the ballroom.
Gunfire erupted roughly 20 minutes after Trump arrived at the annual dinner at the Washington Hilton, which was packed with more than 2,000 guests.
The black-tie crowd — including Washington journalists, cabinet members and White House aides — scrambled for cover as shots rang out, with some diving under tables and others rushing toward exits.
The panic unfolded in seconds, witnesses said, as Secret Service agents converged on the threat inside the hotel lobby area outside the ballroom.
Follow The Post’s live updates on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Trump said the gunman “was fast — he was running full blast” and “charged from 50 yards away.”
The deranged suspect, a teacher and graduate of Caltech from Torrance, Calif., was quickly confronted and taken down before he could reach the main ballroom.
Police believe Allen may have been staying at the hotel, which hosts the high-profile event each year.
Follow the latest on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:
Investigators are working to determine how he was able to approach the security checkpoint while carrying weapons.
DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is facing charges including assault on a federal law enforcement officer and two counts of using a firearm to commit violence.
He will be arraigned Monday in federal court, she said, adding that additional charges are likely as the investigation continues.
FBI agents and local police visited an address in Torrance believed to be connected to the alleged gunman.
Aerial footage showed a heavy law enforcement presence surrounding the property as investigators gathered evidence.
Trump praised law enforcement for acting quickly as he revealed what happened on social media.
“Quite an evening in DC, Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.