Man Allegedly Carried Shotgun into White House Correspondents’ Dinner Venue
A man named Cole Allen allegedly brought a shotgun into the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. He reportedly rushed toward security while brandishing the weapon, leading to shots fired and a response from Secret Service agents. Allen had legally purchased the shotgun in California last August.
yahoo.comA man identified as Cole Allen allegedly carried a Mossberg Maverick 12-gauge shotgun into the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. The incident occurred at the gala dinner.
Secret Service agents responded to reports of shots fired, rushing people out of the room. Images showed agents at the scene, and Allen was detained afterward, seen covered with a mylar blanket. The shotgun is a pump-action model with a folding stock, pistol grip, and extended magazine tube, which sources said made it easier to conceal.
The event took place on Saturday night, marking a security incident at the annual dinner.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- Saturday night (April 25, 2026)
Cole Allen allegedly rushed toward security while brandishing a shotgun at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, leading to shots fired.
1 sourceNew York Post - Saturday night (April 25, 2026)
Secret Service agents responded to the incident and detained Allen.
1 sourceNew York Post - Last August (2025)
Allen legally purchased the Mossberg Maverick 12-gauge shotgun from Turner’s Outdoorsman in Torrance, California.
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Security protocols at high-profile events may be reviewed following the incident.
- 02
Attendees of future White House Correspondents’ Dinners could face stricter entry checks.
- 03
Public perception of event safety might decrease temporarily.
- 04
Investigations into the weapon's concealment could influence firearm regulations discussions.
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