WASHINGTON D.C. – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the capital, President Donald Trump has released dramatic CCTV footage and images of the gunman who opened fire during the high-profile White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement as 31-year-old Cole Allen Thomas of Torrance, California, was labeled a “lone wolf” and a “whack job” by the President during a press briefing following the chaotic event.
The Security Breach
The released footage, shared by the President on Truth Social, shows Thomas dashing past security perimeters at the Washington Hilton. In the video, Thomas is seen sprinting toward the subterranean ballroom where the President, First Lady Melania Trump, and hundreds of journalists were gathered.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Thomas was armed with multiple weapons. He reportedly attempted to bypass a primary magnetometer screening area and fired several shots—estimated between five to eight—at a Secret Service agent from close range.
Heroic Protection
The Secret Service confirmed that one officer was struck during the encounter. However, President Trump noted that the officer’s bulletproof vest saved his life. “He was shot from a very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job,” Trump stated, praising the quick response of the security detail.
Evacuation and Cancellation
As shots rang out, the Secret Service immediately rushed the President and First Lady to safety. Guests inside the ballroom were seen diving for cover under tables as the “lone wolf” was apprehended by tactical teams. While there were initial hopes to resume the gala, organizers eventually scrapped the event for the night, citing the severity of the security breach.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect is currently in custody and has been taken to an undisclosed “offsite” location for interrogation. While the motive remains unclear, President Trump dismissed any immediate links to the ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran, suggesting instead that the act was the work of a solitary, disturbed individual.
The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is conducting a full-scale investigation into how Thomas managed to get so close to the secure zone with multiple firearms.
