The incident reportedly occurred on the evening of April 25 near a security screening point outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was held.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and several senior officials were said to be in attendance when shots were fired after a suspect allegedly forced his way through a checkpoint close to the venue’s ballroom area. Security operatives immediately responded, shooting and arresting the suspect.
U.S. authorities, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, said preliminary findings suggested the suspect may have targeted the President and members of his administration. One law enforcement officer was reportedly injured during the incident but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, has been taken into custody and is expected to face federal charges.
Trump later described the incident as an assassination attempt.
In a statement issued on Monday and circulated by Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., a Washington-based lobbying firm engaged by Atiku, the former Nigerian Vice President expressed solidarity with the U.S. President and others affected by the incident.
He described the attack as “a threat not only to an individual but to the very foundation of democratic governance,” while commending security operatives for their swift response in preventing further escalation.
Atiku also extended his thoughts and prayers to Trump, his family, and all those impacted, urging renewed global commitment to democratic principles and peaceful political engagement.
The statement comes amid Atiku’s recent engagement with the U.S. lobbying firm, reportedly aimed at strengthening his interface with American policy circles and enhancing international understanding of his political and policy positions.
U.S. authorities have confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Washington event is said to be the third known attempt on Trump’s life, following earlier incidents in 2024 in Pennsylvania and Florida.
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