U.S. President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service after being swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., following a shooting near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and his administration officials were the likely targets. Police arrested 31-year-old suspect Cole Thomas Allen, who was found with firearms and knives. The FBI’s criminal and counterterrorism units are investigating the incident.

According to U.S. media, Allen had a history of anti-Trump posts and allegedly sent a manifesto to family members before the attack. The White House described the event as a “survived assassination attempt.” Trump later told reporters he was reluctant to leave the stage and called his security team “tremendous.” The White House Correspondents’ Association president called the event “horrific” and credited the Secret Service for saving thousands of guests.

Trump used the incident to renew his call for constructing a secure ballroom at the White House, claiming it could have prevented the attack. He also thanked journalists for responsible reporting and urged peaceful resolution of differences.