US live updates: White House Correspondents’ dinner gunman was targeting Trump officials

The gunman who charged a security checkpoint and opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was targeting Trump officials “from highest priority to lowest”, according to a manifesto he sent to his family members 10 minutes before the shooting.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” in the document and revealed his plan was to kill Trump administration officials at the press gala inside the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington DC, The NY Post reports.

US President Donald and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed from the stage after a gunman opened fire at the event around 8.30pm on Saturday, local time.

The gunman shot at a Secret Service officer whose life was ultimately saved by a bullet proof vest. Allen was arrested at the scene ane later charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence and one count for assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.

The major security lapse comes just seven months after the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, and two failed assassination attempts on Mr Trump. In July 2024, Mr Trump was shot in the ear at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and two months later survived another assassination attempt at his Florida golf club.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump said there was no indication the shooting was linked to the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

“I don’t think so, but you never know,” he said. “We’re going to know a lot. We have the best people in the world working on it and we’re going to know a lot.”

Meanwhile, Mr Trump claimed on Sunday that Iran’s oil infrastructure may explode in about three days due to mechanical issues exacerbated by the US blockade on its vessels.

Read below for live updates.