Gunshots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night. The suspect was arrested. An officer was shot at close range, but his bullet-proof vest saved him.

The annual event was held at the Washington Hilton hotel, with Trump attending for the first time as president. 

First Lady Melania Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and hundreds journalists, media personalities and government officials were also there.

A suspected gunman ran into the hotel foyer, trying to get past security officers and metal detectors, at about 00:35 GMT. 

Loud bangs were heard, prompting security service personnel to immediately escort the president and other officials from the venue. 

Hundreds of guests stayed behind for about an hour before the ballroom was cleared. Trump shared images and a video of the suspect on social media. 

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is reportedly the suspect. Allen is expected to be charged on Monday with several offences, including using a firearm during a crime of violence. 

Trump told reporters afterwards, "I can't imagine any professions that are more dangerous" when reflecting on several shooting attempts over the past three years

The alleged gunman who fired shots at the White House Correspondents' Dinner a few hours ago has been named as Cole Tomas Allen, according to US media.

The 31-year-old is reportedly from Torrance, California - in the south-western suburbs of Los Angeles.

CBS News, the BBC's US partner, says Allen worked as a tutor in Torrance after graduating from the highly regarded California Institute of Technology.

Police say he was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was taking place, and was carrying multiple weapons - including guns and knives.

Allen is receiving hospital treatment following the incident. He is expected to be formally charged on Monday.

(Source: BBC)