On Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, a security incident occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., leading to the emergency evacuation of President Donald Trump. The event was interrupted around 8:36 p.m. ET, shortly after the dinner had begun.
As the dinner was underway, a gunman bypassed security protocols and charged a Secret Service checkpoint in the lobby area outside the ballroom. Witnesses inside the ballroom reported hearing gunfire, which caused guests to duck under tables for cover as Secret Service agents swarmed the stage to secure the President.
President Trump, along with Vice President J.D. Vance and other high-ranking officials, was safely evacuated from the ballroom by his security detail. He was unharmed during the incident.
The gunman was identified by law enforcement as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, from Torrance, California. Authorities reported that he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers engaged the suspect, exchanging gunfire before successfully taking him into custody.
During the confrontation, a law enforcement officer was shot. Officials confirmed that the officer’s life was saved by their bulletproof vest, and they are expected to recover.
Following the incident, President Trump held a press conference at the White House. He praised the bravery and rapid response of the Secret Service and local law enforcement, describing the suspect as a “lone wolf.” The President also confirmed that he was safe and emphasized the need for unity and peaceful resolution of differences.
The FBI and local authorities have since launched an investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack, with charges against the suspect pending.
