Trump releases image of 'lone' gunman, says he was target of shooting — as it happened

Thanks for joining us for our coverage today.

To recap, shots were heard at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, where United States President Donald Trump was in attendance.

The suspect has been charged.

Only one person was injured — a Secret Service officer who is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Trump believes the incident was an assassination attempt by a "sick person".

The "lone gunman" was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

We are wrapping our live blog coverage for now. Thank you for joining us.

— Alexandra Koster

The shooting suspect has been named as Cole Tomas Allen, according to Associated Press.

They have reported that Allen was a 31-year-old from Torrance, California.

Donald Trump also released an image of the suspect on his social media platform, Truth Social, which appeared to be taken after the incident.

Trump said FBI agents were searching the suspect's home in California.

Donald Trump released an image of the suspect on his social media platform, Truth Social. Source: Supplied / Donald Trump / Truth Social

Trump said he was grateful for the swift response of law enforcement.

"This is not the first time in the past couple of years that a Republican has been attacked by a would-be assassin who sought to kill," Trump said.

"In light of this evening's events, I asked that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolve our differences peacefully. We have to resolve our differences."

Trump confirmed the suspect had been captured and was believed to be from California.

"He's a sick person, a very sick person, and we don't want things like this to happen," he said.

One law enforcement official has been injured, Todd Blanche, acting United States attorney general said.

— Alexandra Koster

Authorities have said they cannot confirm whether the president was the intended target of the incident, despite Trump's assertion during his press conference that it was an assassination attempt.

Jeff Carroll, the interim chief of police of the Metropolitan Police Department, said the suspect was running in the direction of the ballroom where Trump and cabinet members were attending the dinner.

"The individual charged the checkpoint with a fire on his hand," Carroll said.

"What the specific motivation was, we can't say at this point."

"However, as we continue to investigate that, we'll continue to work towards that."

Carroll also said he believed the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton, where the incident happened.

"We do believe he was a guest here at the hotel," he said, adding that the room linked to the suspect had been secured and will be searched as part of the investigation.

Carroll said he believes the suspect acted alone.

— Alexandra Koster