A forensic lipreader has provided new insight into Vice President JD Vance’s reaction during a dramatic security scare at a high-profile dinner in Washington, D.C.
The incident took place Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was underway. The event, attended by prominent journalists and political figures, was interrupted when gunshots suddenly rang out, triggering panic throughout the venue.
Footage captured the moment security personnel rushed the stage, swiftly surrounding Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and other senior officials. Secret Service agents also moved quickly to secure Vice President Vance, pulling him from his seat as the situation escalated.
According to lipreader Nicola Hickling, a bodyguard approached Vance and urgently told him, “Run, run.” Vance appeared startled and responded, “What’s happening? I’m going,” before being escorted away from the stage.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect, identified by U.S. media as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen of Torrance, California, was heavily armed. He reportedly carried a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives as he attempted to breach a security checkpoint near the ballroom.
Images circulating after the incident showed the suspect lying face down on the floor after being subdued.
Among the guests escorted from the venue was Erika Kirk, the wife of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a separate attack months earlier. Visibly distressed, she was seen leaving in tears, telling a bodyguard, “I just wanna go home.”
In remarks delivered later from the West Wing, Trump described the confusion of the moment. He said he initially mistook the sound for something harmless, such as a dropped tray. However, Melania Trump quickly realized the seriousness of the situation, identifying it as a “bad noise.”
Within seconds, Trump, the First Lady, and Vice President Vance took cover under their table before being rapidly evacuated by Secret Service agents. Security teams then swept the ballroom to ensure the safety of other attendees.
Trump also confirmed that one law enforcement officer was shot during the incident but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest, which absorbed the impact of a close-range shot.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
