The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner descended into chaos after shots were fired Saturday. Several videos have emerged of the momentous event showing attendees panicking and rushing for their lives by hiding under tables. Still, a shocking and unexpected moment drew all eyes: unknown women grabbed bottles of wine and clicked selfies.
In one of the videos that is now going viral, a blonde woman in a black fur coat without hesitation or fear goes to the table to get booze. In the background, a group of three women can be seen holding glasses and clicking selfies.
“So here you have journalists stealing bottles of wine: that’s the press! Disgusting!” wrote one user while sharing the video.
How social media users reacted:
The video sparked a wave of reactions, with several people criticizing their behavior in the comments section.
“Now we understand ‘looting’ and the personalities who do it!” another commented.
“I don’t think it’s funny. I think it further shows us who they really are. Somebody just tried to shoot the place up and they’re disconnected from that reality,” the person said.
“How is this stolen? They were placed on dinner tables. They should have been used. Everything was already paid for,” wrote another.
What happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Several shots were fired during the incident, but only one Secret Service officer suffered a minor injury after a bullet grazed their bulletproof vest.
After the security scare, Donald Trump and cabinet officials were quickly evacuated from the dinner venue. It was the first White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by Trump, 79, during his presidency.
The suspect has been identified as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old Torrance resident. Authorities said he allegedly attempted to breach the security perimeter to enter the ballroom where the event was being held.
Security at the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile dinner is being held, is said to rely mainly on ticket checks. Guests attending pre-dinner gatherings or staying at the hotel are generally not subject to gun checks.
Who is Cole Allen?
Authorities described Allen as a lone actor. Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeffery Carroll confirmed that Allen had not previously been on the radar of Washington law enforcement agencies and that officials were not aware of any prior criminal record. He stayed exactly where he attacked.
After his arrest, authorities seized a shotgun, handgun and knives. Blanche said Allen purchased both firearms “over the last couple of years.”
FBI agents and Secret Service personnel were later seen around the Torrance home, with local news footage showing law enforcement spotlights shining into an upstairs window.
