President Donald Trump was swiftly escorted from the stage at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after a shooting incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton hotel on the evening of April 25, 2026.
According to authorities, the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, charged through a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives before exchanging gunfire with law enforcement.
One Secret Service agent was struck in their protective gear during the confrontation but has since been released from the hospital. The suspect was not shot but was taken into custody and is expected to face charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that while the motive remains under investigation, preliminary findings indicate the suspect was targeting administration officials.
The FBI conducted a search overnight at a residence linked to Allen in Torrance, where police tape was placed and a spotlight shone on the property as part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials confirmed the suspect acted alone and emphasized that President Trump and other attendees were unharmed due to the rapid response of Secret Service personnel.
The incident marks another security breach involving the president, following similar attempts in 2024 at a rally in Pennsylvania and near his Florida golf club.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack, which disrupted one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings of journalists, politicians, and public figures.
