An armed man attempted to force his way into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026, triggering an emergency evacuation of President Donald Trump, the First Lady, lawmakers, and hundreds of journalists.
The annual gala was approximately 20 minutes underway when the security breach occurred. Federal authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, a teacher and video game developer who graduated from the California Institute of Technology.
What Happened
Allen attempted to breach a secured checkpoint while carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, according to investigators. U.S. Secret Service agents intercepted him in the hotel lobby before he could reach the main ballroom.
A physical altercation ensued, and gunfire erupted during the struggle. One Secret Service agent was struck at close range but was protected by his ballistic vest, officials said.
The wounded officer was transported to a nearby hospital and remained in stable condition. Allen sustained minor injuries and was taken into federal custody.
The Response
Security teams immediately ordered a full evacuation of the Washington Hilton as heavily armed officers swept the building to check for additional threats. The White House Correspondents’ Association canceled the remainder of the evening’s program, citing ongoing security concerns.
President Trump commended the Secret Service for their rapid response, saying their actions prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome. The dinner is expected to be rescheduled with enhanced security measures.
The Investigation
Federal investigators have launched an extensive probe into Allen’s background, motivations, and recent activities. Authorities are searching his California residence and reviewing communications he reportedly sent to family members before the incident.
Investigators currently believe Allen acted alone with no evidence of a broader conspiracy or continuing threat to public safety. The breach has prompted officials to review security procedures surrounding major political events in Washington.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
