Live updates: Trump says WHCA dinner gunman was "lone wolf" from California

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were among those in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night when shots rang out as a gunman rushed into the annual event. 

The U.S. Secret Service confirmed one person is in custody after the incident at the Washington Hilton. Footage from the scene showed authorities swarming into the hall after the apparent gun shots as the hundreds of journalists and officials in attendance ducked under tables.

A "God Bless America" chant could be heard from a corner of the room as Trump was being escorted off the stage. He fell briefly and was helped up by Secret Service agents.

The Associated Press identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, citing two law enforcement officials. Officials have not released the name of the suspect

Here's the latest:

New details on Suspect

10:52 p.m. ET - The Associated Press identified the suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, citing two law enforcement officials. 

Federal and local law enforcement have not confirmed his name. It was previously reported that the suspect's home in California was being searched.

Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll stated the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives.

RELATED: Suspected gunman in WH Correspondents’ Dinner shooting: What we know so far

Carroll assured the community that they do not believe there was anyone else involved and that the suspect was acting as a lone wolf. 

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said during the news conference that the preliminary charges against the suspect will be two charges related to using a firearm as well as one for assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon. She added that many more charges are expected based on what the investigation finds.

The suspect will be arraigned on Monday in a federal court. 

Atty. General: Charges coming soon

10:52 p.m. ET - Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche predicted the man accused of opening fire during the WHCA dinner would be charged soon. Saying the charges "should be self-evident," Blanche indicated that they will include the shooting, possession of firearms, and whatever else they find.

Blanche echoed the praise Trump gave to law enforcement for their quick actions to detain the suspect. He stated that law enforcement are serving search warrants and continuing their investigation. 

Trump speaks after gunfire at WHCA dinner

10:40 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump met with journalists in the White House press room to give them an update on the gunfire that happened at the hotel where many of them were just minutes before.

In his statement, Trump described the event as one that was designed to celebrate freedom of speech and one meant to bring both parties and journalists together. He pointed out that the shooter did not make it near the ballroom where the dinner was being held.

"He hadn’t anywhere close to breached the doors of the ballroom," the president said.

Trump explained that a man charged a security checkpoint with multiple weapons before being taken down by members of the Secret Service and law enforcement. About the same time, he posted onto Truth Social an image of the suspect on the ground and in custody.

Trump also confirmed that an officer had been shot, saying it was at a close distance and with a very powerful gun. The president confirmed that the officer is doing well and in very high spirits.

Image of suspect released

10:32 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump released a picture of the suspect who allegedly opened fire at the WHCA dinner on Saturday. The photograph showed the man lying on the ground with several officers over him.

The name of the suspect has not been released. Trump indicated the man lives in California and investigators were already searching his home.

During a White House news conference, Trump indicated he felt the shooter was likely a "lone wolf."

Law enforcement officers shot, expected to be okay

10:16 p.m. ET - A law enforcement officer was shot in the bullet-resistant vest and is expected to be okay, the Associated Press reported, citing a law-enforcement officer.

Suspect in custody after shots fired incident

9:45 p.m. ET - The U.S. Secret Service provided an update on the gunfire that rang out during the WHCA dinner. 

Federal agents working with the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating after shots were fired near the main magnetometer screening, USSS Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X.

The agency confirmed that one person is in custody and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation. 

WHCA Dinner called off after shots fired incident

9:42 p.m. ET - Jiang returned to the stage to announce the event Saturday night will be postponed, citing law enforcement protocol requiring them to leave the grounds.

Prior to her announcement, she read a statement from the president saying that no one was hurt and everyone was safe. 

WHCA Dinner called off after shots fired incident

9:42 p.m. ET - President Trump posted onto Truth Social that he, the first lady, the vice president, and all cabinet members are "in perfect condition." 

Trump said that law enforcement asked that everyone leave the premises, per their protocol.

The president added that he spoke with everyone who runs the event and they will be rescheduling it within 30 days.

"LET THE SHOW GO ON" Trump issues statement

9:30 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump posted a statement onto Truth Social after being evacuated from the dinner. In the post, Trump commended the Secret Service and law enforcement for their reaction, saying, "They acted bravely."

Full Statement:

Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we "LET THE SHOW GO ON" but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro post from dinner

U.S. Attoney Jeanine Pirro posted a video on Instagram from the hotel.

Trump, other top leaders uninjured 

9:05 p.m. ET - President Donald Trump was not injured in an incident that led to him, First Lady Melania Trump, and other top leaders to be evacuated from the dinner.

Shooter opened fire: official said 

9:00 p.m. ET - A law enforcement official said a shooter opened fire during the dinner. There does not appear to be any injuries, the Associated Press reported.

WHCA Dinner to restart soon

8:55 p.m. ET - White House Correspondents’ Association President Weija Jiang spoke after the incident to say that the dinner would resume. She indicated that it was expected to start soon. 

WHCA Dinner Evacuated

8:30 p.m. ET - Prior to the incident, the Trumps, Vance, and everyone could be seen enjoying their event as usual when cracking sounds were heard from off-camera. Another angle showed a person being chased through the room. 

Secret Service rushed into the hall as guests in the banquet hall ducked under their tables. "Out of the way, sir!" someone yelled. While others yelled to duck.

Top officials at WHCA dinner

8:30 p.m. ET - Some of the top members of the Trump administration were on hand for the WHCA dinner. 

In addition to the president, first lady, and vice president, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., were among the top officials in attendance.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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