What we know about gunfire at White House correspondents' dinner

April 26, 2026

During the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday night, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated after a shooting incident involving a suspect identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. The gunman, who was a hotel guest armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, exchanged gunfire with security personnel, striking one Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest. Allen, who allegedly told authorities he intended to shoot Trump administration officials, was apprehended at the scene and faces federal charges including using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting federal officers.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
One Secret Service agent (shot but protected by bulletproof vest)
More than 2,000 attendees at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, including BBC correspondents
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, the suspect taken into custody
Security officers and Secret Service agents at the event
C2 Education, the tutoring firm where Allen worked
Trump administration officials (stated targets according to the suspect)

What action is being taken

The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is in custody
FBI agents and police are searching an area at a California address linked to the alleged gunman
US attorney Jeanine Pirro is pursuing charges against the suspect for two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on federal officers using a dangerous weapon
Law enforcement is investigating the incident

Why it matters

This incident represents the third security threat against President Trump in recent months, following previous attempts in Pennsylvania and Florida, highlighting ongoing concerns about presidential security and political violence. The attack occurred at a historic American press tradition dating back to 1921, targeting not only the President but also potentially affecting thousands of journalists and attendees, which underscores vulnerabilities at high-profile public events. The suspect's alleged stated intention to shoot Trump administration officials raises serious questions about threats against government officials and the security measures necessary to protect them at public gatherings.

What's next

The suspect will be formally charged on Monday in federal court
The White House Correspondents' Dinner event was delayed and rescheduled (though specific rescheduled date not provided)

Read full article from source: BBC