Shooting suspect at correspondents' dinner was likely targeting Trump officials, says acting attorney general

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Police, federal law enforcement speak and take questions about gunfire at correspondents' dinner

'It was very quick,' Trump says of security response at correspondents' dinner

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Buckingham Palace says it is in talks with U.S. Officials to assess whether the shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner could affect King Charles's upcoming state visit.

"A number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day… to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit," a palace spokesperson said.

It added that Charles is being kept informed and is "relieved" that Trump and other guests were unharmed.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said he is confident the King will be safe during the visit, even as investigators believe the attack may have targeted Trump and senior officials.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and other world leaders took to social media to denounce the Saturday night shooting.

"Political violence has no place in any democracy," said Carney, adding he was relieved to hear Trump, his wife Melania and guests were reported safe. 

"My thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event."

French President Emmanuel Macron called the violent incident "unacceptable" and extended his full support to Trump.

The scenes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was shocking, said U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

"Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent her respects to Trump and his wife, adding, "violence should never be the way."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared his shock at "the attempted assassination" of Trump.

"[We] salute the U.S. Secret service for their swift and decisive action," he said.

Guests inside the Washington Hilton ballroom reported diving under tables as chaos unfolded, with some hearing what sounded like multiple gunshots.

Trump, who was unharmed, described the security response as swift.

"It was very quick," he said, speaking later at the White House. He added that officials "seem to think he was a lone wolf," though the investigation remains in its early stages.

"When you're impactful, they go after you. When you're not impactful, they leave you alone," Trump said.

U.S. President Donald Trump was rushed offstage last night after gunfire erupted near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington.

The Secret Service later confirmed it was responding to what it described as a "shooting incident," adding that a suspect was in custody.

The suspect, now identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, was taken into custody after allegedly opening fire outside the ballroom.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said charges will be filed soon, adding that "the investigation is obviously ongoing and just started."

Officials say they are examining a long gun and shell casings recovered at the scene. Blanche also said investigators believe the suspect was targeting members of the Trump administration.

Authorities say he travelled across the country by train — from California to Chicago and then to Washington — before checking into the hotel hosting the high-profile event.

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