#ShootingIncidentAtWhiteHouseCorrespondentsDinner

Last night, April 25, 2026, the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton was interrupted by a shooting incident that led to the emergency evacuation of President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other high-ranking officials.

### The Incident

At approximately **8:36 PM EDT**, a suspect attempted to rush a Secret Service security checkpoint near the main magnetometer screening area.

* **The Confrontation:** The suspect was armed with a **shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives**. Law enforcement exchanged fire with the individual near the lobby area, outside the main ballroom.

* **Injuries:** One law enforcement officer was shot but was saved by his bullet-resistant vest. President Trump later confirmed the officer is in "great shape." No other injuries to attendees have been reported.

* **The Scene:** Inside the ballroom, roughly 2,600 guests—including journalists, celebrities, and cabinet members like VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—were forced to take cover under tables as Secret Service agents in tactical gear cleared the stage and secured the room.

### The Suspect

The suspect was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.

* **Identity:** Identified by law enforcement as **Cole Thomas Allen**, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California.

* **Status:** Currently in custody; federal authorities (FBI and Secret Service) are investigating his motives. President Trump referred to him as a "lone wolf" during a press briefing later that evening.

### Aftermath

The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) canceled the remainder of the evening's program, and the building was evacuated. President Trump held a briefing shortly after from the White House, reassuring the public that the situation was under control and praising the "fantastic job" done by the Secret Service.