Suspect Charged at Security Checkpoint with Shotgun and Knife... Security Guards Subdued Him After a Gunfight [Trump Assassination Attempt]

The suspect in the shooting near the White House Correspondents' Dinner attended by Donald John Trump on the 25th local time was reportedly carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and a knife when he charged toward an external security checkpoint at the dinner venue. The event was the first White House Correspondents' Dinner Trump attended during both of his administrations.
In a 24-second video Trump posted on Truth Social on the 25th local time, the suspect quickly ran between security checkpoints set up outside the dinner venue, prompting security personnel to immediately draw their weapons and open fire. After the shots were fired, the guards rushed toward the direction the suspect had gone. The suspect exchanged gunfire with the security team before being subdued. According to U.S. media, three to eight gunshots were heard at the venue.
Wolf Blitzer, a CNN anchor who attended the dinner, said in a firsthand account, "When the shooting started, the gunman was only a few feet away from me." He added, "While the gunshots were going off, there was no way to know who the shooter was targeting, or whether he was simply trying to scare people. It was a truly awful and terrifying moment." He also said, "After the shooting began, I saw the suspect lying on the ground." Blitzer added, "Police had pinned him down, but he kept firing, and the gunshots kept coming."
Investigators said, "One security guard stationed at the venue was shot, but he was wearing protective gear and is not in life-threatening condition." Trump also posted a photo on Truth Social showing the suspect lying face down on the ground with his shirt removed.
According to the White House press pool, Trump entered the dinner venue at 8:15 p.m. The White House press pool first announced the shooting at 8:39 p.m., suggesting the incident occurred about 20 minutes after Trump arrived.
When the gunfire was first heard, Trump did not react immediately. A few seconds later, as USSS agents rushed in, Melania Trump took cover under a table first. Trump then also hid beneath the table.
Trump later said at a White House press briefing, "At first, I thought it was the sound of a tray falling." He continued, "Some people understood very quickly, and some did not. I was watching what was happening. I probably should have gotten down faster."
whywani@fnnews.com Hong Chaewan Reporter