WASHINGTON — A major security emergency erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, when an armed man allegedly rushed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton and opened fire as President Donald Trump and other senior officials were inside.
Federal authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. The Justice Department later charged Allen with attempting to assassinate the president, along with federal firearms and assault-related offenses. A federal grand jury subsequently returned a four-count indictment in connection with the shooting.
According to the indictment, Trump was attending the dinner when Allen approached a Secret Service security checkpoint on the hotel’s Terrace Level shortly after 8:30 p.m. Authorities allege that Allen sprinted through a magnetometer and moved toward stairs leading to the ballroom where the president was located.
Secret Service Officer Shot
Investigators say Allen fired a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun during the confrontation, striking a U.S. Secret Service officer once in the chest. The officer was wearing a ballistic vest, which prevented the gunshot from causing more serious injury.
The officer returned fire five times. Allen fell to the ground and was immediately restrained by law enforcement. Authorities said he suffered a minor knee injury but was not shot. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital before being returned to federal custody.
Investigators said Allen was carrying a shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, ammunition and multiple knives and other items when he was arrested. The FBI later released images of evidence recovered from the scene.
Dinner Disrupted
The attack brought the high-profile gathering to an abrupt halt and triggered an immediate law-enforcement response. Security personnel moved to protect attendees while investigators secured the area and began collecting ballistic and other evidence.
Federal authorities said their investigation quickly expanded beyond Washington, with agents also examining evidence and conducting interviews connected to Allen’s California residence.
Prosecutors allege that Allen had traveled across the country before the incident and had reserved a room at the Washington Hilton for several nights. Investigators are also examining communications he sent shortly before the shooting as they work to establish his intentions and possible motive.
Federal Case Moves Forward
The Justice Department has characterized the incident as an alleged attempt to assassinate the president. Allen faces multiple federal charges, and the case remains subject to the judicial process.
The shooting has also drawn renewed attention to security procedures surrounding major events attended by the president, cabinet officials, lawmakers and members of the national media.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, while federal prosecutors prepare the case against Allen in court.
