Chaos at White House dinner after gunman opens fire; Trump, Vance rushed out
Suspect identified as California man with engineering background
WASHINGTON – A high-profile political gathering in Washington descended into chaos after a gunman opened fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, forcing the evacuation of US President Donald Trump and senior officials.
The incident unfolded late on Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, a venue hosting thousands of guests from politics, media and business. Authorities confirmed that the president and all attendees were safe, while the suspect was quickly apprehended.
The shooting triggered panic across the ballroom, where more than 2,000 guests had gathered for the black-tie event. Security personnel responded within moments, forming protective shields around key officials and ushering them out of the hall as the situation escalated.
White House attack
According to law enforcement officials, the incident began at approximately 8:35pm when an armed individual approached a security checkpoint inside the hotel. The suspect, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed near the entrance.
The officer was struck but protected by a bulletproof vest and later released from hospital in stable condition. Witnesses described hearing loud gunshots followed by shouting, as security teams moved swiftly to neutralise the threat.
Footage circulating online shows the suspect running through at least one checkpoint before being tackled by security personnel. Officials said he managed to breach multiple layers of security before being subdued and taken into custody.
Swift response
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seated at the main table when the commotion began. Secret Service agents immediately evacuated them from the stage as guests were instructed to take cover.
Many attendees, dressed in formal attire, hid under tables while others were pushed to the floor by security personnel. Armed agents formed a protective cordon, while additional forces entered the ballroom with rifles drawn to secure the area.
WATCH: More footage from the evacuation shows President Trump being rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner following THE SHOOTING.pic.twitter.com/7rIuitqXob
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) April 26, 2026
Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members were also escorted out in a coordinated evacuation effort. The event was cancelled shortly after the shooting.
Trump later addressed reporters in a late-night briefing, stating that he believed the attacker acted alone. “In my opinion, he was a lone wolf,” he said, adding there was no immediate evidence linking the incident to international conflicts, including tensions involving Iran.
Who is the suspect?
Investigators identified Allen as a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California. Early findings suggest he may have been a guest at the hotel at the time of the event. Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive behind the attack.
Preliminary information from social media and professional profiles indicates that Allen has an academic background in engineering and computer science. He is believed to have graduated from the California Institute of Technology and later completed a master’s degree in computer science.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
He reportedly worked as a part-time teacher and independent game developer, with past experience in mechanical engineering roles. Law enforcement officials said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives at the time of the attack.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that Allen is expected to face charges including using a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. He is due to appear in court on Monday.
Security breach
The breach has raised urgent questions about security arrangements at one of Washington’s most prominent annual events. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is traditionally attended by senior government officials, journalists and celebrities, with extensive security protocols in place.
Authorities are now examining how the suspect was able to bring multiple weapons into the hotel and pass through security checkpoints.
The incident also comes amid heightened concerns over the safety of political figures in the United States. Trump has previously survived two assassination attempts since 2024, including a shooting at a campaign rally and another incident involving an armed individual near a golf course.
Saturday’s attack revived memories of past violence linked to the same venue, where President Ronald Reagan was shot outside the hotel in 1981. Officials have not confirmed whether the latest incident specifically targeted Trump, though the president indicated he believed he may have been the intended target.