Daijiworld Media Network – Washington
Washington, Apr 26: A major security scare unfolded at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington late Saturday night after a gunman attempted to breach a security checkpoint and opened fire, triggering panic and chaos at the venue.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were immediately evacuated by security personnel. Both leaders, along with other senior officials, escaped unhurt.
According to officials, the attacker tried to rush past a security checkpoint at the hotel where the event was being held and fired multiple rounds, causing panic among hundreds of attendees, including journalists, politicians and celebrities.
The suspect was quickly overpowered and taken into custody by security forces. Trump later described the attacker as looking “pretty evil” and praised law enforcement agencies for their swift response.
Multiple US media outlets, citing law enforcement sources, identified the suspect as a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California. However, authorities have not officially confirmed his identity. Officials said the accused is believed to have acted alone.
Investigators said the suspect was heavily armed, carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives at the time of the attack. He is also believed to have been a guest at the hotel where the high-profile dinner was taking place.
Reports indicated that the suspect had an academic background in engineering and computer science, with degrees from institutions in California. He was also said to have worked in teaching and technical fields, though these details are yet to be formally verified by authorities.
Speculation about a possible link to Iran surfaced amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, but Trump dismissed any such connection.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran. I don’t think it had anything to do with it based on what we know,” he said while addressing reporters shortly after the incident.
Trump also shared a video on social media showing the suspect running towards the venue and being subdued by law enforcement personnel. In a separate post, he shared an image of the accused lying on the ground with his hands tied after being detained.
Praising the response of security agencies, Trump said, “Law enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”
He, however, noted that the incident highlighted the need for stronger security arrangements at such high-profile events.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the case, with multiple agencies examining ballistic evidence and working to establish the motive behind the attack.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of public gatherings attended by top political leaders in the United States.