In pictures: Chaos as gunfire heard in Washington DC ballroom

April 26, 2026

A shooting incident at the Washington Hilton hotel interrupted the White House Correspondents' dinner, forcing attendees including prominent politicians, diplomats, and journalists to take shelter beneath tables. President Donald Trump was quickly evacuated from the event when gunshots rang out during the gathering. A 31-year-old California man named Cole Tomas Allen has been identified as the suspect and is scheduled to face formal charges in court on Monday.

Who is affected

US President Donald Trump
Politicians, diplomats, and journalists attending the White House Correspondents' dinner
One US security agent (injured and hospitalized)
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California (identified suspect)

What action is being taken

The US security agent who was injured is receiving treatment in hospital
Attendees took cover under tables during the incident

Why it matters

This incident represents a serious security breach at one of Washington's most prestigious annual events, where the nation's political leadership and media establishment gather. The shooting endangered the President and numerous high-profile figures, highlighting vulnerabilities in protecting major political gatherings and raising concerns about security protocols for such events.

What's next

Cole Tomas Allen will be formally charged in court on Monday

Read full article from source: BBC