A gunman armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives charged through metal detectors outside the Washington Hilton ballroom as President Donald Trump and senior officials dined at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, firing multiple rounds before being subdued by Secret Service agents.
Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old educator from Torrance, California with an engineering degree, was identified by law enforcement as the suspect who opened fire in the hotel lobby just after the dinner began. He had purchased the shotgun used in the attack in August 2025 and was carrying additional weapons when he attempted to breach security. No attendees were seriously injured, but one Secret Service agent was struck by at least one round and remained hospitalized for evaluation despite being protected by a bulletproof vest.
Allen was tackled to the ground and taken into custody without being shot himself, though he was transported to a hospital for assessment. President Trump, who was safely evacuated from the ballroom, later posted a photo on Truth Social showing the shirtless suspect on the floor with his arms bound behind his back. The president described the incident as the work of a “lone wolf” and said he hoped the dinner could be rescheduled within 30 days.
Investigators believe Allen was targeting members of the Trump administration, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who said on “Face the Nation” that the suspect told authorities after his arrest that he wanted to shoot administration officials. However, officials have not released further details about a possible motive and the investigation remains ongoing.
The suspect had been a guest at the Washington Hilton, though authorities have not disclosed when he checked in or what was found during a search of his room. Interim D.C. Police Chief Jeff Carroll said Allen appeared to be a lone actor, noting the suspect had a record of firearm ownership and had been seen on surveillance video charging through metal detectors outside the ballroom.
The shooting disrupted an annual event meant to honor journalism and the First Amendment, which had drawn heightened scrutiny this year as it marked Trump’s first attendance at the dinner since becoming president. Guests scrambled for cover as shots rang out, while Secret Service agents, including the counterassault team, swarmed the stage to protect the president and first lady.
Vice President JD Vance was removed from the room first, with agents initially shielding Trump in place before escorting him and Melania Trump from the ballroom. Trump briefly stumbled on his way offstage before being assisted by his security detail. One officer injured in the exchange was reported to be recovering.
Was the suspect known to authorities before the shooting?
Sources indicate Allen had a record of firearm ownership but there is no indication in the reporting that he was previously known to law enforcement for violent behavior or investigated as a threat prior to the attack.
What charges is the suspect facing?
Allen is facing two firearm-related charges, including assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon, according to the Associated Press, and is expected to appear in court Monday.