President Donald Trump and senior officials in his administration were likely targets of a suspect who opened fire on a security agent during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday.

The suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton hotel before being tackled and arrested. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quickly removed from the event.

“It does appear that he did, in fact, set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president,” Blanche said, adding the suspect is believed to have travelled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington.

Blanche said the suspect will face federal charges including assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm and attempting to kill a federal officer. He added it was not yet clear whether there was any connection to Iran.

Trump later said the injured agent was protected by a bulletproof vest and was in “good shape”, while a Secret Service spokesperson confirmed the officer had been discharged from hospital. Trump also said he believed he was the intended target.

Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives and is believed to have been staying at the hotel. He was taken to hospital for evaluation, with officials saying it is too early to determine a motive.

Washington’s interim police chief said the suspect had been able to move through parts of the hotel before being stopped. Investigators are examining how he brought the weapons into the building, which was hosting the high-profile event attended by cabinet members, lawmakers and other officials.

Footage showed the suspect moving quickly through a security checkpoint before firing and being subdued. No shots were fired at him before he was detained.

Inside the ballroom, gunfire caused panic among around 2,600 attendees. Guests took cover under tables as security personnel drew weapons and moved to protect senior officials. Trump, Vice President JD Vance and others were evacuated, while cabinet members were escorted out by their security teams.

Some agents pushed those under their protection to the ground and formed protective barriers, while others moved through the crowded room to reach officials. The evacuation took place at varying speeds depending on location.

Trump later told reporters the suspect had been far from the main room and described him as a “lone wolf”. He said the event could not continue following the incident.

The shooting has raised renewed questions about the security of senior political figures, coming after previous attempts on Trump’s life during the 2024 campaign.