abcnews.com about 11 hours ago URGENCY: 7/10

Chaos Erupts at White House Correspondents' Dinner

A shooting incident disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, causing panic among attendees. Discover the shocking details of the event and the timeline of chaos that unfolded.

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Chaos Erupts at White House Correspondents' Dinner

On a night meant to celebrate journalism, chaos erupted at the White House Correspondents' Dinner when gunshots rang out outside the venue. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen from California, attempted to breach security with a shotgun, leading to a swift response from Secret Service agents.

Timeline of Events

The evening began with guests arriving in formal attire, but the atmosphere quickly shifted as the following events unfolded:

  • 7:00 PM ET - Guests walk the red carpet, enjoying the festivities.
  • 8:15 PM ET - Vice President JD Vance is introduced.
  • 8:20 PM ET - President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed.
  • 8:36 PM ET - Gunshots are heard as Allen attempts to enter the ballroom.

Fortunately, the quick actions of the Secret Service prevented a potential tragedy, as they apprehended Allen before he could cause harm. A Uniformed Division officer was injured but survived due to his bulletproof vest, highlighting the critical importance of security measures at high-profile events.