Main points
- A shooting occurred at the Washington Hilton during a White House Correspondents' Association reception, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and his wife Melania.
- The shooter, 31-year-old Cole Thomas, tried to break through security but was apprehended and taken to the hospital.
Donald and Melania Trump / Photo Getty Images
A shooting occurred during an important event at the White House. US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and other officials were evacuated.
Donald Trump commented on the incident to CNN. He said that it was a “pretty traumatic experience” for the first lady.
The US President said that the events during the shooting unfolded very quickly. But the reaction was instantaneous.
Donald Trump added that he and the first lady were well taken care of. They were both “taken off the stage very quickly.”
It should be noted that among the high-ranking officials in the hall were Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr., writes the BBC. Also present was the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna. She was hiding under a table during the shooting.
What happened in the USA?
The shooting occurred during a White House Correspondents' Association reception at the Washington Hilton on April 25. After the shots rang out, Trump and members of his cabinet were escorted off the stage.
As it later became known, an armed man burst into the ballroom. He tried to break through the security line, but was detained. The shooter's name is Cole Thomas.
The 31-year-old man survived and was taken to a hospital. The event was supposed to continue, but was postponed to another date. The US president will return to the White House in the near future.