Credit: C-SPAN
Local elected officials are reacting after President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several high-ranking administration and congressional officials were rushed to safety Saturday night after gunfire erupted outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
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The shooting happened at the Washington Hilton hotel, where a suspect allegedly charged a Secret Service checkpoint in the lobby while armed with multiple weapons.
According to Washington D.C. police, the man exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before being tackled. He is believed to have acted alone.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to the New York Times.
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Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington D.C., said the suspect will be arraigned Monday on two charges, with the potential for additional charges.
NBC News reported that Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said on “Meet the Press” that while a motive remains under investigation, “preliminary” findings suggest the suspect was targeting members of the Trump administration.
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The weapons used in the attack were purchased legally, the LA Times reported.
The shooting disrupted the annual scholarship dinner, which draws thousands of journalists, celebrities, and government officials.
Trump said the dinner will be rescheduled within the next month,
The incident comes among rising political violence, including two past assassination attempts of Trump’s life, the deadly shooting of Democratic lawmakers their families in Minnesota, the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, and the attack on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence as Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro slept inside.
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Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat:
“I’m grateful for law enforcement and the Secret Service’s quick action to keep the President, Cabinet, lawmakers, the press, and everyone in attendance tonight at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner safe.
“While we await more information from law enforcement, one thing is for certain: political violence is never okay — and it has no place in this country.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, a Democrat:
“I’m closely monitoring the reports of a shooting at tonight’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. What should have been an evening celebrating the First Amendment and a free press instead turned into a moment of fear and uncertainty.
“My thoughts are with everyone who was in attendance, including the journalists, staff, and public servants who found themselves in harm’s way. I’m grateful to the law enforcement and security personnel who acted swiftly to protect lives.
“Tonight’s violence is a stark reminder that gun violence is far too prevalent in this country. Every person deserves the right to feel safe and be safe.”
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U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, a Democrat:
“Gisele and I are safe and back home. We’re incredibly grateful for law enforcement and their quick reaction this evening.”
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican:
“I’m relieved and grateful that President Trump, the First Lady, Cabinet members, and everyone at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner tonight are all safe.
“I want to once again convey my deepest gratitude to our Secret Service and law enforcement officers for their swift, decisive action to neutralize the threat and protect our president and others.
“Praying for our country.”
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Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, is engaged to Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich. Both were at the dinner:
“I am grateful that the President, First Lady, Vice President, Second Lady, and everyone in attendance here with us are safe—including my fiancée, who was on the stage with the President when the shots were fired.
“Tonight could have ended very differently. The Secret Service and law enforcement officers on scene acted without hesitation and with extraordinary professionalism. In a moment of danger and chaos, they brought courage, calm, and order to the entire room. I am deeply grateful for their service.
“May we unite in prayer for our country, lower the temperature, reject hatred, and remember the responsibility we share to one another and to the nation we love.”
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, a Republican running for governor:
“A great debt of gratitude is owed to the Secret Service and law enforcement for protecting President Trump, the Cabinet, and all attending this evening’s White House Correspondents Dinner.
“We solve our disagreements in America through debate, and the First Amendment that is being celebrated this evening.
“Violence has no place in our political discourse.”
