Gunman opens fire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner, President Trump and others quickly evacuated; no serious injuries reported
A gunman charged at a security entry to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C.U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were evacuated by Secret Service agents just before 9pm, local time.
Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran released a statement about tonight’s incident. pic.twitter.com/HKjlumI4kl
— U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) April 26, 2026
Security incident
The suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California.
He allegedly fired multiple shots but caused no fatalities.
One Secret Service agent sustained an injury but was reported in good spirits.
The FBI is investigating how the shooter accessed the venue with weapons.
Trump, during a press conference, praised the security measures in place and shared CCTV footage of the incident.
Suspect details
Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran affirmed the effectiveness of the protection plan following the event.
Interim DC Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll stated Allen was a guest at the hotel and was armed with a shotgun and handgun.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced preliminary charges against the suspect, adding that additional charges may follow.
Here are the full remarks from President Trump earlier tonight: pic.twitter.com/rCLYA4my63
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) April 26, 2026
Trump held a press conference at the White House on the unexpected nature of the event, noting his and Melania’s differing responses to the gunfire.
He indicated he should have reacted more quickly, as Melania recognised the danger promptly.
