Trump says he 'wasn't worried' during Washington press dinner shooting

April 27, 2026

A gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner at a Washington DC hotel on Saturday night, forcing President Trump and other senior officials to be evacuated from the event. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint and was carrying multiple weapons including guns and knives when arrested. According to preliminary findings, authorities believe Allen specifically targeted Trump administration officials, and a document reportedly linked to him indicated he wanted to attack government members "from highest-ranking to lowest.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
Vice-President JD Vance
Secretary of Health Robert F Kennedy Jr
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
Top aide Stephen Miller
A Secret Service officer who was shot and injured (later discharged from hospital)
Thousands of dinner guests, including journalists and BBC reporters
Hotel staff at the Washington Hilton
Cole Tomas Allen (the suspect), age 31
Allen's family members who received a manifesto
White House Correspondents' Association members

What action is being taken

The FBI's criminal investigation and terrorism task-force are investigating the incident
The alleged gunman's motive is under investigation by the US Attorney General
An address in Torrance, California believed to be linked to Allen is being searched
Allen is being formally charged in federal court with assault of a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence

Why it matters

This incident represents the third assassination threat against President Trump, highlighting ongoing security concerns for high-profile government officials and the vulnerability of major public events. The attack targeted a significant democratic institution—the free press—as the White House Correspondents' Dinner symbolizes the relationship between government and media. The incident demonstrates the real dangers faced by Secret Service agents protecting elected officials and underscores broader concerns about political violence in American democracy, prompting calls from current and former leaders to reject violence as a political tool.

What's next

Cole Tomas Allen is due to appear in court on Monday
The White House Correspondents' Dinner event will be rescheduled
Trump plans to continue building a new ballroom at the White House (though this project faces legal challenges)

Read full article from source: BBC