Shots fired during Trump's dinner with journalists. Bomber captured

NEW YORK - US President Donald Trump was urgently evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner in response to an attack foiled in extremis by the Secret Service protecting the president. A gunman forced his way through security controls at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the event was taking place, wreaking havoc. But he was neutralised by agents before he could rush into the room where the evening had just begun in the presence of Trump, first lady Melania and numerous administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance. Before, that is, potential tragedy.

The shooter, who was in possession of multiple firearms, was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, near Los Angeles, California, according to the AP. He was a graduate of Caltech and worked as a part-time teacher, according to CNN. He had booked a room at the Hilton Hotel to be at the scene. Authorities have not yet offered any indication of his motives. They have, however, indicated, as did Trump himself, that they believe his was the act of an isolated individual.

The drama has revived the controversy about violence in the United States and in particular the escalation of political violence. Controversy also surrounds the security measures and how the bomber was able to get so close to the room where the president and hundreds of journalists and guests were standing.

One officer was injured by a bullet. Although he was described as being in good condition, he was saved by his bulletproof vest. The bomber was arrested and is hospitalised. He will be charged today, appearing in court, announced the capital's federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, who was herself evacuated from the dinner room. Charges include the use of weapons in the commission of a violent crime and assault on federal agents. The event, in a suddenly chaotic atmosphere, was cancelled and Trump indicated that it would be rescheduled probably within a month.

In a press conference held upon his return to the White House, the president, still dressed in his gala tuxedo, thanked the security forces for their immediate intervention, saying the drama 'was completely unexpected'. Describing the events, he said he heard "quite a loud noise, a bad sound but far away" before agents in the room shouted "shot fired", shot fired, rushed to his side and guns in hand quickly carried him to safety, along with Melania and later government officials. "Within seconds we were out," he added. He said he believed the bomber was "probably an isolated shooter" and that an investigation and search of his California home was underway.