The suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of the Los Angeles area, was subdued by Secret Service agents before reaching the ballroom where roughly 2,600 guests were gathered.
Trump later said the wounded agent survived thanks to a bulletproof vest and was in good condition. No other attendees were harmed.
Allen is believed to have acted alone, according to authorities, who also searched his California home. CBS News reported that Allen told law enforcement his intended target was the current administration. Washington's police chief said preliminary information suggested the man had been a hotel guest, and investigators are examining how he brought a firearm into the building.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Health Secretary Robert Kennedy and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum were among those inside the ballroom at the time of the attack. Guests took cover under tables. Trump appeared at a White House press conference two hours later, still in his tuxedo, and expressed hope the dinner would be rescheduled within the coming month.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski confirmed that Poland's chargé d'affaires Bogdan Klich, Polish diplomats and Polish journalists attending the gala were all safe. Polish Radio correspondent Marek Wałkuski was among those present.
Saturday's incident was the third assassination attempt against Trump since 2024. In July of that year, he was shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania campaign rally. Months later, an armed man was apprehended near a Florida golf course where Trump was playing — and was sentenced to life in prison in February this year.
(jh)
Source: Polish Radio