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Journalist films dramatic moments of shooting attack: 'This is terrifying'
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Conflict & Security

Journalist films dramatic moments of shooting attack: 'This is terrifying'

From Veฤernji List · (10m ago) Croatian Critical tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A journalist captured dramatic footage from under a table during a shooting incident at a gala dinner in Washington D.C.
  • The journalist described hearing "several loud bangs" and initially not knowing if it was gunfire.
  • The incident led to the urgent evacuation of President Donald Trump and resulted in one security guard being injured.

In a chilling account, American journalist Olivia Reingold shared harrowing footage from inside a gala dinner in Washington D.C., where she and other guests, including President Donald Trump, were forced to take cover under tables during a shooting incident. Reingold, a correspondent for the White House press corps, described the terrifying moments as "several loud bangs" echoed through the venue, creating an atmosphere of intense fear and uncertainty.

Her video captures the raw panic as attendees huddled beneath furniture, surrounded by security personnel. Reingold's commentary, interspersed with deep breaths to calm herself, conveys the immediate shock and confusion. "This is terrifying," she stated, "there were several loud bangs near my dinner spot, it's unclear if it's gunfire. I'm okay, we're trying to get out now."

This is terrifying, there were several loud bangs near my dinner spot, it's unclear if it's gunfire. I'm okay, we're trying to get out now.

โ€” Olivia ReingoldDescribing the initial moments of the incident.

The incident, which saw a suspect identified as Cole Thomas Allen (31) apprehended, underscores the vulnerability of even high-profile events. The quick actions of security, though ultimately preventing a closer encounter with the President, highlight the ever-present security concerns. While the article focuses on the immediate drama and the journalist's firsthand experience, the underlying narrative is one of shock that such an event could unfold in a setting meant for distinguished guests and national leaders. The swift evacuation of President Trump and the injury to a security guard serve as stark reminders of the security challenges faced by public figures.

We were located next to one of the entrances. People are shouting 'USA'. I just heard four very loud sounds. I don't know, maybe it's safe now.

โ€” Olivia ReingoldNarrating the events as she observed them from under the table.
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Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.