US evangelist Franklin Graham has praised security services for their “quick” and “efficient” response after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening.
A 31-year-old man from California allegedly had “multiple” weapons when he interrupted the black-tie event, which was attended by US President Donald Trump, his wife Melania, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials.
The suspect is reported not to have been struck by gunfire. He has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to the Associated Press, citing two law enforcement officials.
Videos circulating online show security personnel rushing to protect attendees, with both political leaders evacuated while journalists took cover under tables.
In a later briefing from the White House, Donald Trump praised the Secret Service, saying an agent was hit by a bullet that was stopped by a ballistic vest. He said the incident took place “quite far away”.
“That was very unexpected but incredibly acted upon by Secret Service and law enforcement, and this was an event dedicated to freedom of speech that was supposed to bring together members of both parties with members of the press,” he said. “And in a certain way, it did, because the fact that they just unified. I saw a room that was just totally unified.”
Franklin Graham, who was also in attendance, later posted on social media expressing relief that no one was seriously hurt and praising the response of security services.
He wrote on X: "I am grateful to God that the President of the United States is safe and that no innocent people were harmed. It could have been much worse. I’m tremendously thankful for our Secret Service and law enforcement. It was incredible to witness these highly trained experts spring into action to get President @realDonaldTrump, the First Lady, and our nation’s leaders out quickly and efficiently."
He added: "I thank God that America has such a great leader. Pray for our President."