WASHINGTON — An armed man pushed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials and ending one of the capital’s signature nights.
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Prosecutors say he entered the hotel with a shotgun, a handgun and several knives and moved toward the corridor leading to the ballroom. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other officials were inside when the breach began.
Allen allegedly tried to get past barriers and reach the dinner floor. Secret Service agents and other officers moved in as guests were steered away. Trump was taken out of the ballroom. Journalists and attendees fled the hotel or took cover while officers locked down the scene.
A Secret Service officer was hit by buckshot from Allen’s shotgun, prosecutors said. The officer was wearing body armor and was not seriously hurt. Allen was arrested at the scene and later checked at a hospital. No one was killed. Trump was unharmed. The dinner was abandoned as a perimeter went up and agents looked for any second threat.
Federal prosecutors charged Allen with attempting to assassinate the president and with firearms offenses. He pleaded not guilty on May 11. The case remains in federal court.
Investigators have reviewed his writings, travel and preparations. Authorities say the evidence shows he came to Washington intending to target Trump and members of the administration. Court papers describe steps taken before the rush at the checkpoint, including a photograph he allegedly took in his hotel room shortly beforehand. Prosecutors call that planning.
The breach has also reopened questions about security at large presidential events. Officials say the dinner had layered protection, but Allen still got past an outer point before he was stopped. Reviews of that evening’s arrangements continue.
The investigation and the criminal case are not finished. What is established so far is narrower: a man with guns and knives reached a checkpoint at a room full of the country’s top officials, an officer was shot and survived, and the president left the building alive.
