First Image Of Suspect Surfaces After White House Correspondents’ Dinner Scare

Washington: President Trump himself shared a photo and video of the suspect on Truth Social. In the photo, a man is lying on the ground without a shirt, surrounded by armed security personnel. The bottom part is covered with newspaper. It was clear that he was restrained on the spot and given no other chance.
Investigating agencies later said that the suspect is a 30-year-old man from California. 

How did the attacker get in?

A witness who was briefed by the Secret Service after the incident reported that the man had a shotgun—he walked straight toward the metal detector, and the Secret Service shot him and then led him away in handcuffs.  Another witness, Erin Thielman, reported that the man had rifle magazines on his shoulder and saw him fall when security personnel opened fire on him. 

The question is, why was such tight security, which one analyst described as “like a national security event," not able to stop this man?

What happened in the hotel when the bullets were fired?

As gunshots reached the ballroom, Secret Service agents came running in from the main aisle and ordered the remaining guests to stay in their seats. No one from outside the UPI hotel could go back inside; the entire complex was locked down. 

Erika Kirk, whose husband Charlie Kirk was killed last year, was seen running backstage crying, saying, "I just want to go home." She was taken out through the back door.

The biggest question on security is how did he pass the metal detector?

It is not yet clear how the suspect entered the secure area by crossing the metal detector. The Secret Service is now moving on to the next phase of the investigation, identifying the attacker, his targets and motives and, most importantly, how he reached this depth. 

This was an event where the president, the vice president, the entire cabinet, and hundreds of journalists were present in one place. The cost of any security lapse could have been huge.

What did Trump say in the press conference?

About an hour after the event, Trump arrived at the White House briefing room, several reporters still wearing black tie straight from the Hilton. Trump said the attacker was "taken down" by brave Secret Service personnel. He also talked to the injured agent and said, "He is absolutely fine." 

What will happen next now?

The FBI has confirmed that the suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing. Trump has said that this dinner will happen again within 30 days. This Washington Hilton is the same place where Ronald Reagan was also attacked in 1981. 45 years later, in the same hotel, history was saved from repeating itself.