Chaos erupted after a gunman opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, prompting the Secret Service to rush the president, first lady and other officials out of the room.

06:49, Sun, Apr 26, 2026 Updated: 06:50, Sun, Apr 26, 2026

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FBI agents are seen behind police tape near a residence associated with the alleged White House Corr (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Everything you need to know about the White House dinner shooting

  • During the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, gunshots were fired, forcing the immediate evacuation of Donald Trump. Secret Service agents swarmed the stage, shouting for attendees to "stay down" as the ballroom was plunged into chaos with guests sheltering under tables for protection.

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  • The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Reports indicate he was a guest at the hotel and allegedly attempted to pass through metal detectors while carrying a shotgun and a handgun. He currently faces charges for assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm.

  • Trump quickly issued a statement on Truth Social confirming that he, the First Lady, and the Vice President are in "perfect condition." He praised the Secret Service for acting "quickly and bravely" and noted that while he initially wanted the dinner to continue, he would follow law enforcement’s guidance.

  • One Secret Service officer was shot during the encounter but is "doing great" after being saved by his bullet-proof vest. Trump later addressed the media from the White House, describing the gunman as a "lone wolf" and a "very sick person" while confirming that no other injuries were reported.

  • The high-profile event was officially cancelled for the night and is expected to be rescheduled within 30 days. Following the shooting, a large police cordon was established around the hotel, and the FBI's National Capital Response Squad has taken over the ongoing investigation.