'Shots will be fired': Karoline Leavitt's ominous remark moments before gunfire jolted White House Correspondents' Dinner

A remark by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that “some shots will be fired” during US President Donald Trump’s address took on a chilling undertone after an armed attacker opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, triggering panic and a massive security response.

Leavitt, speaking to Fox News shortly before Trump took the stage, had described the upcoming speech as “classic Donald J Trump,” adding: “He is ready to rumble… It will be funny and entertaining. There will be some shots fired in the room tonight.” The clip has since gone viral following the incident.

Also read: How the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner unfolded, check timeline


The annual dinner, attended by roughly 2,600 people, was abruptly disrupted by loud bangs that sent attendees scrambling for cover. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were swiftly escorted out as security forces moved to neutralise the threat.

What we know

According to officials, a man armed with a shotgun attempted to breach security near the event’s main screening area at the White House Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC, where the dinner was being held.

An FBI official said the suspect fired at a Secret Service agent, but the bullet struck protective gear, leaving the agent unharmed.

The situation was brought under control within minutes, and the suspect was apprehended at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the attacker was taken to a hospital after being restrained, though he did not suffer any gunshot injuries.

Also read: What we know about Cole Tomas Allen, the part-time teacher from California who stormed the White House Correspondent's Dinner

Who was the shooter

Police identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen. According to the Washington, DC Police, Allen had been staying as a guest at the same hotel hosting the high-profile event.

Images later shared by Trump showed heavily armed security personnel subduing the suspect amid the chaos.

Leavitt, in her pre-event remarks, had also credited Trump for writing most of his speech and urged audiences to tune in. However, her phrasing — intended to suggest sharp political jabs — has drawn scrutiny in the aftermath of a real shooting that briefly turned one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings into a scene of fear and confusion.