WASHINGTON — A gunman attempted to rush past security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton and opened fire before being pinned down by security. One Secret Service officer suffered a minor injury when a bullet struck their bulletproof vest.

Multiple shots were fired during the incident. President Donald Trump and cabinet officials were evacuated from the dinner in response to the shooting. It was the first White House Correspondents' Dinner that Trump, 79, attended as president.

The suspect was identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Allen attempted to breach the security perimeter to access the ballroom.

Access to the Washington Hilton is only guarded by loose ticket checks, and screening for weapons occurs before entering the ballroom. Those attending pre-dinner parties or staying at the hotel are not screened for weapons.

Allen is facing two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime and one count of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. He is set to be arraigned on April 27.

The shooting took place during the salad portion of the dinner, leaving many bottles of wine abandoned at tables across the ballroom. CAA agent Michael Glantz was seen on camera eating his salad while other attendees hid under tables during the shooting.

The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., where the annual dinner brings together members of the press and government officials. Security at the event involves weapon screening before entry into the ballroom, though the broader hotel property does not apply the same screening to all guests. Allen, who is from Torrance, California, faces federal charges including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon in connection with the shooting.