Suspected gunman, identified by authorities as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California reportedly charged a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun and several knives at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on Saturday.
Allen was tackled by agents after a brief but terrifying exchange of gunfire in the hotel lobby.
One Secret Service agent was shot but was wearing a bulletproof vest and escaped without serious injury. As many as eight shots were fired during the incident.
Despite the quick reaction of security services, Allen had managed to come within 100 yards of President Trump as well as dozens of key officials.
Mr Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were hurried off the ballroom stage after the gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents.
Authorities said Allen, a Democrat-supporting, 31-year-old teacher had checked in as a guest at the hotel.
He is reported to have told officers he wanted to shoot officials in the Trump administration.
