Donald Trump was rushed to safety after gunshots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner – here’s how the evening unfolded
Buckingham Palace says it will discuss with US colleagues to what degree last night’s events “may or may not” affect the King’s upcoming state visit
US media identify the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California – he was taken into custody
Allen tells authorities he was targeting Trump officials, CBS reports – police have said earlier that the suspect’s motive remains unknown
Law enforcement has been searching an address in Torrance, California believed to be linked to the suspected gunman
How events unfolded, as Trump says attackers go after ‘big names’published at 12:5812:58
It has been over 10 hours since shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC. Here’s a recap of how the evening unfolded:
- Donald Trump was quickly escorted to safety by the Secret Service, as attendees sheltered under tables and journalists began reporting from the room. Here’s a timeline of events and a description of what this annual dinner actually is
- Asked why several attempts have been made on his life, Trump told reporters that attackers go after the “big names” who have made “the biggest impact”. He said he “fought like hell” to stay at the event, but ultimately followed advice and returned to the White House
- The suspect has been identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California – here’s a profile. Trump shared an image of a man he says is the shooter laying on the ground shirtless after being detained by security
- The BBC’s US partner CBS News reports that the suspect told authorities he was targeting Trump officials. Police say the motive remains unknown. He is expected to be formally charged in court on two counts on Monday
- Questions have been raised about security at the event. “No one looked at my ID,” says BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue who was at the scene
More details on the King’s four-day state visit, as Palace reviews security
published at 12:43
12:43
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump pose with King Charles and Queen Camilla as they bid their farewells at Windsor Castle during a visit on 18 September 2025 in Windsor, England.
Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,
The King previously hosted Trump in the UK in 2025
Let’s bring you some more context following the statement from Buckingham Palace.
The King and Queen are due to travel to the US for a four-day state visit beginning on Monday, and are set to meet with Trump at the White House. It will be the first UK state visit to the US since the late Elizabeth II’s in 2007.
Questions have been raised over whether the shooting in Washington will impact security planning. A few minutes ago, Buckingham Palace said it was assessing any possible impact on “operational planning”.
The King is expected to address both houses of Congress, visit the 9/11 memorial in New York, and attend a wreath laying to honour fallen US and UK soldiers in Virginia.
Earlier, the PM’s Chief Secretary Darren Jones said there would be “appropriate security in place in relation to the risk”. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the trip should “absolutely” still go ahead, adding that violence should not be allowed to prevent diplomatic relations.
