Suhas Subramanyam, Harmeet Dhillon Recount Shooting, Modi Expresses Relief Trump Is Safe

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon were among those inside the venue when gunshots rang out during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, triggering panic and a rapid security response. As details of the incident emerged, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence, saying such acts have no place in a democracy.

Modi, reacting on April 26, expressed relief that President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President J. D. Vance were unharmed. In a post on X, he said, “I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being,” underscoring his condemnation of the attack.

The shooting unfolded on the night of April 25 at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, held at the Washington Hilton. Trump and several senior officials were evacuated after multiple gunshots were reported inside the packed banquet hall, where hundreds of journalists, celebrities, and political leaders had gathered.

Panic spread quickly as Secret Service agents and security personnel rushed in. Attendees took cover under tables while officers shouted warnings and directed people to duck.

Subramanyam described the chaos as it unfolded. “I was walking down the escalators from the lobby when, at the bottom of the escalators, 2 security people with guns were running through and yelling ‘watch out for crossfire,’” he said. “I got behind a pillar with another person then left out a back exit while hearing more commotion and police,” he added, later thanking the Secret Service, Capitol Police, and local law enforcement for their swift response.

National Guard personnel were deployed inside the venue as authorities secured the area. Guests were escorted out and barred from re-entering, while a heavy security presence remained in place around the hotel.

Investigators identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, who they believe acted alone. He is facing multiple federal charges related to firearms and the attack. According to authorities, Allen told police he was targeting “administration officials” at the event, which was being held inside the hotel where he was staying.

Dhillon, who was also present, later drew mixed reactions online after posting a remark on X that some viewed as making light of the situation. “Every woman at the event last night low key wondering if they can repeat that outfit at the do-over, or use it for another red carpet event … because did it really ‘count’?” she wrote. The comment sparked criticism from some users, while others said they understood what she was attempting to say.