Chaos at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, Suspect in Custody After Shots Fired

The suspect of the shooting that took place during the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner at a hotel in Washington D.C, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. 

Allen is expected to be charged on Monday with several offences, including using a firearm during a crime of violence.

Chaos erupted late Saturday night at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner during the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner, as a gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint, forcing the emergency evacuation of US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and several top government officials.

The disruption occurred just as the dinner service was beginning. 

Witnesses described hearing multiple "popping sounds" coming from the lobby area outside the main ballroom.

Secret Service agents swarmed the stage, shouting "Get down!" before rushing the President and First Lady Melania Trump out of the room.

Vice President J.D. Vance and several Cabinet members, including Dr. Mehmet Oz, were also shepherded to safety.

D.C. Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll stated that Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.

One Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet at close range. The agent was saved by a ballistic vest and is expected to make a full recovery.

Sources: BBC | Associated Press