President Donald Trump holds a press conference at the White House an hour after an assassination attempt by gunfire on the 25th (Saturday). [Yonhap News]

U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by gunfire at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner held at the Washington Hilton Hotel on the night of the 25th (local time).

Numerous cabinet members were in attendance, including First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses, Secretary of Homeland Security Mark Wayne Mullin, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kathy Patel.

In a post on Truth Social immediately after the incident, President Trump praised the swift response of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies. He stated, "The shooter has been apprehended, and I recommended 'let's continue the event,' but I will fully comply with the directives of law enforcement."

According to information released on social media, the shooter has been identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, who was reportedly selected as "Teacher of the Month" in December 2024.

The motive for the crime is not yet known, but conservative media outlets have lamented the leftward shift of teachers and the widespread hate crimes in the United States.

President Trump posted a video on Truth Social showing the shooter quickly passing through a checkpoint near a metal detector and opening fire, after which agents swiftly subdued him. He mentioned speaking with a Secret Service agent who was shot at close range and was unharmed thanks to body armor.

President Trump announced that, following police guidance, he would hold a press conference instead of returning to the dinner. White House correspondents who were at the event reconvened in the White House briefing room for the press conference.

During the press conference, President Trump promised to host a "bigger and better" dinner within 30 days.

He stated, "Crazy people try to stop what we are doing, but we will not have our work canceled because of those sick people."

He recounted that at the time of the incident, he initially thought it was noise from a food cart, but soon realized the situation.

Referencing President Abraham Lincoln, President Trump added, "The more influential and strong a person is, the more they are attacked. If they have no influence, they are left alone."

He also commented that the job of president is a "dangerous job," but added, "I enjoy the job and I am proud of the job."

When asked if he believed the incident was related to Iran, President Trump responded, "No. It would not be related."

The Hilton Hotel, where the incident occurred, drew particular attention as it was the same hotel where former President Ronald Reagan was the target of an assassination attempt in 1981.

By Hong Seong-gu, Chief Editor, NNP USA / Special Contributor, NNP info@newsandpost.com