Washington, D.C., Apr 26 (V7N)- A shooting incident near the White House Correspondents' Dinner has raised serious security concerns, with investigators probing the motive behind the attack.

According to CBS News, citing unnamed sources, the suspected gunman told authorities that the attack had been planned to target officials associated with Donald Trump. The report also indicated that five to eight rounds of gunfire were fired during the incident. However, law enforcement agencies have not yet officially confirmed these details.

The shooting occurred outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the high-profile dinner was taking place. Officials said the suspect, armed with a shotgun, attempted to breach security at the main checkpoint.

During the chaos, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were swiftly evacuated by the Secret Service. An FBI official told CNN that the gunman opened fire at a Secret Service agent, but the bullet struck the agent’s bulletproof vest, preventing injury.

The suspect has been identified as Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and video game developer from Southern California.

Speaking at a press conference, President Trump said the attack was unlikely to be linked to the Iran war, stating, “From what we know so far, I don’t think it has anything to do with that war. It’s not going to stop me.” However, he acknowledged that investigators have not ruled out any possibilities.

Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “political violence” and emphasizing that such acts are unacceptable.

The United States Secret Service confirmed that the shooting took place near the event’s main entrance and said a full investigation is underway. At the time of the incident, around 2,600 Guests were present, many of whom took shelter under tables as gunshots rang out.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack and any potential links to political tensions.

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