Gunman Subdued at White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump Evacuated from Event

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was a registered hotel guest and acted alone, according to law enforcement officials. Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. He fired shots during the confrontation, injuring a Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest and taken to a hospital.

No other injuries were reported, and Allen was not struck by gunfire but received treatment at a local hospital.

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ET as guests, including Trump administration officials, members of Congress and journalists, were seated in the ballroom. Gunshots rang out from the lobby area, prompting agents to enter the room and instruct attendees to take cover. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots, with estimates ranging from three to five.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was in a hallway near the incident, said a police officer threw him to the ground for protection. Attendees ducked under tables, and high-ranking officials were quickly removed by security details. Justice Department official Harmeet Dhillon reported a bruise from an agent running across her table.

" — Wolf Blitzer, April 25, 2026 (CNN) A server named Flavienne witnessed the gunman pull out a long gun and fire three shots near an elevator while pushing a service cart. She described the suspect passing within feet of her and another employee before opening fire toward the ballroom.

Trump initially thought the sounds were crashing dinner plates but was surrounded by agents and briefly fell during evacuation to a secure room. He expressed a desire to continue the program, as did White House Correspondents' Association president Weijia Jiang, but Secret Service protocol prevailed.

m. ET, flanked by Vance and top law enforcement officials. He released security footage of the incident on social media and praised the response, noting it unified attendees. " — President Donald Trump, April 25, 2026 (CNN) Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser stated the suspect rushed the checkpoint and was evaluated at a hospital.

DC police chief Jeffrey Carroll confirmed Allen fired a shot. S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. Secret Service Director Sean Curren said the multi-layered protection worked effectively.

Questions arose about hotel security, with Caty Payette, communications director for Sen. Martin Heinrich, noting lax lobby access requiring only a ticket.

World leaders condemned the incident.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief on X that all were safe and stated political violence has no place in democracy. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent respects, emphasizing violence must never be the way. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese applauded the swift action of law enforcement.

British ambassador Christian Turner, who attended, thanked the Secret Service and wished the injured officer well. The Washington Hilton has historical significance, as President Ronald Reagan was shot outside in a 1981 assassination attempt. Trump referenced past attempts on his life in 2024 and linked the incident to his push for a secure ballroom on White House grounds.

Trump noted the ordeal was traumatic for Melania Trump, who has voiced concerns about family safety. He compared himself to impactful figures like Abraham Lincoln who faced assassination attempts.