politics
Suspect Accused of Attempting to Assassinate Trump at Correspondents' Dinner
An attempted assassination targeted President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, marking the third such incident since 2024. The event has accelerated efforts to build a secure White House ballroom, with new legislation proposed and a lawsuit ongoing.
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Washington ExaminerAudio version
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WASHINGTON — Cole Tomas Allen stands accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday evening. The incident, which unfolded during the annual event attended by journalists, politicians, and celebrities, marks the third assassination attempt on Trump since 2024, according to Justice Department records.
Allen, who posted on Bluesky and attended a No Kings rally, approached the dinner venue with a concealed weapon, authorities said.
U.K. relationship. The visit underscored ongoing diplomatic ties, with the two leaders meeting amid the day's formalities.
Separately, actor George Clooney, honored at Film at Lincoln Center’s Chaplin Award Gala, denounced political violence in response to the shooting attempt. “We must come together for unity,” Clooney stated, calling on Americans to reject such acts. The proposed White House ballroom stems from plans Trump initiated last year, including the demolition of the East Wing to accommodate the structure.
The project, estimated to cost between $300 million and $400 million, will include a below-ground security bunker designed as the most state-of-the-art facility of its kind. Roughly 40 firms, including Amazon, Apple, Booz Allen Hamilton, Coinbase, Google, Lockheed Martin, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir, and Ripple Labs, have donated funds.
Fundraising efforts are led by the Trust for the National Mall.
Republican lawmakers have introduced competing bills to advance the project.
“As Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee & a member of the National Capitol Planning Commission, I’ve reviewed & supported the new White House ballroom,” Paul wrote. His measure preserves private funding while allowing Congress to expedite reviews of major White House projects. The Saturday attempt has not altered the blueprint, officials confirmed.
