Former President Barack Obama called for calm and a rejection of political violence after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night injured a Secret Service officer.
The incident unfolded just after 8:30 p.m. outside the Washington Hilton, where a gunman attempted to force his way through a security checkpoint before exchanging fire with officers. President Donald Trump was quickly evacuated as guests sheltered in place.
Authorities identified the suspect as 31‑year‑old Cole Tomas Allen, who traveled to Washington D.C. days earlier and was carrying multiple weapons when he rushed the magnetometer area. Investigators say early evidence suggests he acted alone, though they are reviewing writings and digital materials recovered from his hotel room.
Obama posted a statement on X Sunday urging the public to avoid rushing to conclusions and to reaffirm democratic norms.
“Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy,” he wrote. He added that the incident was “a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day,” and said he was grateful the injured officer is expected to recover.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to come.
Read the full article here
