A gunman attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and forcing cancellation of the black-tie event.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. on April 25, 2026, at the Washington Hilton as the annual gala was beginning. The dinner, which brings together journalists, politicians, and celebrities for an evening of satire and networking, was thrown into chaos when a suspect rushed a security checkpoint on the Terrace Level.
What Happened at the Scene
According to law enforcement, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, arrived at the checkpoint armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and multiple knives. Allen fired his shotgun at close range, striking one Secret Service agent in the chest.
The agent, protected by a bulletproof vest, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Secret Service agents returned fire and tackled Allen to the ground in the hotel lobby, preventing him from reaching the ballroom where hundreds of guests were gathered.
Inside the ballroom, the sound of gunfire triggered panic among attendees. Journalists and politicians took cover under tables as law enforcement secured the area and the event was officially canceled around 9:45 p.m.
Response and Evacuation
President Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, were swiftly evacuated from the venue. In subsequent remarks, Trump commended the Secret Service, saying they did a
