WASHINGTON — A heavily armed man charged through a security checkpoint at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, sending President Donald Trump and other senior officials into an emergency evacuation as Secret Service agents confronted the threat just steps from the ballroom.
The April 25 attack at the Washington Hilton quickly became a major federal security investigation. Prosecutors later charged 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, with attempting to assassinate Trump and with multiple federal firearms and assault offenses.
According to federal court documents, Allen traveled from California to Washington by train and checked into the Hilton on April 24, one day before the dinner. Investigators say he had reserved the hotel weeks earlier.
At about 8:40 p.m., Allen allegedly rushed through a Secret Service screening checkpoint on the hotel’s Terrace Level while carrying a long gun. Prosecutors say a shotgun was fired as he moved toward the area leading to the ballroom where Trump and other officials were gathered.
A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest. The officer’s ballistic protection prevented a serious injury, and the officer returned fire five times. Allen was taken into custody and was not struck by the gunfire, according to authorities.
Investigators recovered a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-gauge shotgun and a .38-caliber pistol, along with ammunition, knives and other equipment, according to the indictment.
Federal prosecutors also say Allen sent an email shortly before the attack indicating he was about to carry out the actions that led to the shooting. Authorities have described evidence suggesting the attack was planned, while the case remains pending in federal court.
The shooting triggered an immediate security operation. Trump was rushed from the event as Secret Service agents secured the area, while attendees were evacuated amid the chaos. The dinner was subsequently canceled, though the event was later rescheduled and held in July.
Allen faces federal charges, and the allegations against him remain allegations unless proven in court.
