Guests hid under tables. Secret Service agents surrounded Trump and as they pulled him from the dais, he dropped to the ground, got back up and was led away. Agents led Johnson out, shouting, “Move, move!”
In a 9:52 p.m. message posted on X, Johnson said they were safe.
“We’re grateful as always for the law enforcement and first responders who acted so quickly to bring the situation under control,” said Johnson, R-La. “Praying for our country tonight.”
Law enforcement officers, rifles drawn, stepped on the stage and scanned the crowd while agents hopped over tables to pull administration officials and lawmakers away. Some guests ran for the exits, while others lingered in the confusing aftermath. A hush fell over the room.
The attacker, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, did not make it to the ballroom. He fell near the top of the stairs and was apprehended by law enforcement, where video showed him lying face down covered by a foil blanket at officers’ feet. Authorities said he had made it to the lobby from his room at the hotel, and was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and several knives. Law enforcement officers exchanged fire with him, and one Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet that was stopped by his protective vest, officials said. Allen was not hit.
8:58 p.m.
The evacuation continued. At one point, about 24 minutes after the gunshots, Jiang announced that the event’s program would resume, but that did not happen.
9:39 p.m.
Instead, guests were told to leave the event.
“Law enforcement has requested that we leave the premises consistent with protocol. He wanted to emphasize nobody was hurt, he, the first lady, the Cabinet, everybody is safe,” Jiang said. “So thank God, everybody’s safe, and thank you for coming together tonight. We will do this again. Thank you.”
Trump said he would give a statement at the White House, and attention turned there.
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