politics
Gunman Targets Trump at White House Correspondents' Dinner
A gunman opened fire at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, targeting President Trump and administration officials. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended after injuring a Secret Service agent. President Trump stated the incident would not affect King Charles' upcoming state visit to the United States.
The IndependentAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A 31-year-old man stormed the lobby of the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday evening. , prompting attendees to seek cover as gunfire erupted.
The suspect, a teacher and California Institute of Technology graduate, allegedly sent a manifesto to his family about 10 minutes before the attack. In the document, he referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed intentions to target Trump administration officials.
The manifesto included statements about minimizing casualties by using buckshot rather than slugs.
A Secret Service agent was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest, sustaining no serious injuries. The suspect was captured in the lobby before entering the ballroom where President Trump was scheduled to speak to over 2,500 guests. Dramatic footage showed officers with guns drawn ushering the president offstage.
President Trump posted on Truth Social within an hour, confirming the shooter's apprehension and sharing CCTV footage of the assailant. " The president also addressed the manifesto details that emerged. The suspect faces initial charges of using a firearm and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges expected.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. FBI agents searched a home in Torrance, California, linked to the suspect, who holds a master's degree from California State University at Dominguez Hills earned in 2025.
