Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has joined global leaders in responding to a dramatic security incident at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, where an armed man attempted to breach a security checkpoint.
In a statement, Albanese said he was “pleased to hear the President and the First Lady, along with all attendees … are safe”, praising the swift response of the United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.
The incident unfolded late Saturday at the Washington Hilton, where Donald Trump, senior officials, journalists and guests had gathered for the high-profile event.
Authorities said a man, identified in US media as Cole Thomas Allen, charged a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
Police believe the suspect acted alone. He allegedly fired at least one shot, striking a Secret Service officer, whose life was saved by a bulletproof vest. The suspect was subdued by security personnel and later taken into custody.
Speaking after the incident, Mr Trump described the attacker as “a sick person” who had “attacked our constitution”, commending agents who “acted very quickly and very bravely”. He said the officer injured in the confrontation was “doing great”.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no ongoing threat to the public, while interim police chief Jeffery W Carroll confirmed the investigation remained in its early stages.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect had been charged with felony firearms and assault offences.
Prominent political figures attending the dinner expressed relief that no civilians were harmed. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was “thankful no innocent people were harmed”, while former Speaker Nancy Pelosi described it as a “terrifying act of violence”.
The annual dinner, a major fixture on the US political calendar, was cancelled following the incident and is expected to be rescheduled.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, with officials saying it is too early to determine whether the President or any specific individual was the intended target.
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