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New York: There was chaos at the Hilton Hotel in Washington on Saturday night during the White House Correspondents' Dinner when a gun-like sound was suddenly heard. At that time President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and many senior officials were present in the program. Without wasting any time, the security agencies evacuated all the VIPs from there and took them to a safe place. It is fortunate that no one died in this entire incident.
According to the information, this incident happened near the security checkpoint outside the main ballroom. The suspect suddenly started trying to enter inside by quickly crossing the barricade. Meanwhile, the sound of gunshot was heard, due to which panic spread among the people present there. Many guests immediately hid under tables while security agencies cordoned off the spot.
Investigations have identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of California. He had many weapons like shotgun, pistol and knife. In the initial investigation, he is being considered as a 'lone wolf' i.e. an attacker working alone, although clear information regarding his motive has not yet been revealed.
During the incident, a Secret Service officer was shot, but he was wearing a bulletproof jacket, due to which a major accident was averted. The officer was taken to the hospital, and his condition is said to be out of danger.
As soon as information about the firing was received, Secret Service agents immediately surrounded President Trump and other leaders. Within a few seconds, he was removed from the stage and taken to a safe place. According to eyewitnesses, due to the promptness of the agents the situation was brought under control before it could worsen.
Initially it was hoped that the program could be restarted after the suspect was caught, but it was stopped midway due to security reasons. The organizers made it clear that the event would be organized again later.
The FBI and other agencies are now trying to find out how the accused reached there and whether he was connected to any big network. At present he is being detained and interrogated and his digital and personal contacts are also being investigated.
This incident once again shows that even in the safest events in the world, danger cannot be completely eliminated, and even small lapses in security can become major risks.