Washington, April 25, 2026 — Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire on security personnel, officials said.
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According to authorities, the attacker fired a shotgun at a United States Secret Service agent inside the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile event was being held. The injured officer was protected by a bulletproof vest and is in stable condition, Trump later told reporters.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old California resident. He was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, and is believed to have acted alone. Authorities said the suspect was subdued by security personnel and taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The incident unfolded around 8:35 p.m., triggering panic among the roughly 2,600 guests in attendance, including senior government officials and members of the media. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, prompting attendees to take cover under tables as security teams moved swiftly to secure the venue.
JD Vance and other cabinet members were quickly escorted out, while armed personnel formed a protective perimeter around key officials. Trump, his wife, and senior aides were evacuated from the stage amid the chaos.
Authorities are investigating how the suspect managed to bring weapons into the heavily secured venue. Early indications suggest he may have been a registered guest at the hotel.
The incident has renewed concerns over the security of top US officials, especially given previous assassination attempts on Trump in recent years. The venue itself has historical significance, as it was the site of the Attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan outside the same hotel.
Following the incident, Trump addressed reporters in a late-night press briefing, saying he believed he may have been the intended target. He described the suspect as a “lone wolf” and praised security personnel for their swift response.
The gala dinner was cancelled in the aftermath, and an investigation into the breach is ongoing.
