Colorado leaders react to shooting incident at White House Correspondents’ dinner

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado leaders are reacting after President Donald Trump and other top U.S. officials were evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after a shooting incident on Saturday evening.

Officials said the incident occurred when a gunman opened fire in the lobby entrance of the Washington Hilton, which was outside the ballroom where Trump and other guests were seated.

All officials protected by the Secret Service were evacuated and uninjured. Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — and many other leaders of the Trump administration.

Colorado leaders from both parties reacted to the incident throughout Saturday night.

Here’s what they had to say.

Rep. Jeff Hurd

Rep. Hurd on X said the following:

“Grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who acted quickly to keep people safe following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

“Violence has no place in our politics. It must be condemned clearly and consistently.

“Keeping all those involved in my prayers tonight.”

Senator John Hickenlooper

“Appalled by the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner. A night meant to celebrate the First Amendment was disrupted by political violence, which has no place in America. Grateful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted quickly and bravely to save lives,” said Sen. Hickenlooper on X.

Rep. Jason Crow

On X, Rep. Crow provided the following statement:

“Grateful that everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe.

“Thank you to the Secret Service and law enforcement for quickly responding to shots fired at the event.

“Violence is never acceptable.”

Senator Michael Bennet

Sen. Bennet posted to X the following:

“A time-honored event dedicated to the First Amendment and a free press was disrupted by violence that has no place in our country.

“Grateful that those in attendance are safe, and thankful to the Secret Service and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect lives.”

Rep. Diana DeGette

“The reported shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable,” said Rep. DeGette on X.

Rep. Jeff Crank

Rep. Crank provided the following statement on X:

“Thankful for the swift action from Secret Service and law enforcement at this evening’s WHCD to ensure President Trump and all attendees are safe.

“Pray for our country. There is no place for violence.”

Rep. Gabe Evans

On X, Rep. Evans said the following:

“My family and I are keeping everyone affected by tonight’s shooting in our thoughts and prayers.

“We are so grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who acted swiftly to ensure everyone was kept safe.

“There is no place for violence in our country.”

Gov. Jared Polis

“While details are still emerging, violence, even the attempt and I’m glad the President, Vice President and all in attendance are safe. I appreciate the law enforcement who responded quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. We all have the right to disagree, but never to try and hurt each other,” said Gov. Polis on X.

Rep. Lauren Boebert

Rep. Boebert said the following on X:

“Thank God President Trump is safe.

“The United States Secret Service hasn’t been funded for 70 days because of the Radical Left.

“Either this is their plan OR they need to change course and fund DHS/USSS NOW.”

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

“Political violence has no place in our democratic republic. And those who engage in such actions must be held accountable. Thinking about those at the WH Correspondents’ Dinner tonight and their safety and praying for healing our republic,” said AG Weiser on X.

Developing details

The shooting suspect was later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, two law enforcement officials told the Associated Press.

In a White House press briefing later on Saturday night, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is being charged preliminarily with two charges related to using a firearm and assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but that there will be many more charges filed “based on the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation is ongoing.

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was scrapped, but White House officials said it will be rescheduled.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.