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Gunman Fires at White House Correspondents' Dinner, Wounding Officer Protected by Vest
A gunman opened fire outside the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, wounding a Secret Service officer who was saved by a bulletproof vest. President Donald Trump and attendees were evacuated, and the event was postponed with a suspect taken into custody. Trump later addressed reporters at the White House, stating the officer was in great shape.
Apr 26, 6:22 AM·2m read3 sources
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Trump appeared flanked by Vice President JD Vance, FBI Director Kash Patel, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. First lady Melania Trump was also present. Trump described hearing loud bangs initially mistaken for a falling tray, which caused attendees to duck under tables.
He expressed a desire to continue the event but confirmed its cancellation. The president announced plans to reschedule the dinner within 30 days.
“I see so many tuxedos and beautiful dresses. It was a little different evening than we thought but we're going to do it again.”
Trump spoke directly with the wounded officer, noting his high spirits and pride in his duties. He emphasized that the vest performed effectively against a powerful gun fired at close range. Reporters, many still in formal attire from the dinner, questioned Trump on political violence and discourse.
The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California. The suspect, armed with a shotgun, fired at a Secret Service agent outside the ballroom. He was arrested at the scene, and investigators believe he was a guest at the hotel, though no motive has been determined.
The suspect's background includes a bachelor's degree from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and a master's degree from California State University at Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a part-time teacher for C2 Education, where he was named Teacher of the Month in December 2024, and as a self-employed game developer.
He previously worked as a mechanical engineer at IJK Controls. The California Institute of Technology confirmed a graduate by that name in 2017.
