Last night, on April 25, 2026, the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton in D.C. was interrupted by a security incident.
At approximately 8:40 p.m. ET, a 31-year-old suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, breached a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as the suspect rushed toward the ballroom.
Secret Service agents engaged the suspect immediately, successfully preventing him from reaching the main event area where President Donald Trump and other senior officials were gathered. During the confrontation, a Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire. Fortunately, the agent was wearing a protective vest and is expected to recover.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were quickly evacuated from the stage by their security detail. Attendees ducked under tables as the room was secured.
The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives, was taken into custody on the scene. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack, with President Trump later describing it as the work of a "lone wolf." The dinner was subsequently canceled.