Shooting Incident at White House Correspondents' Dinner
Monday, 2026/04/27165 words3 minutes630 reads
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night after a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton hotel. The annual event, which dates back to 1921, brings together journalists and government officials.
CCTV footage showed a man rushing past security officers, who immediately chased him. Police reported that the suspect and security officials exchanged gunfire. At least five to eight shots were fired, according to CBS sources. Inside the ballroom, more than 2,000 guests took cover under tables as Secret Service agents rushed to protect the president.
The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, was arrested at the scene. He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. One Secret Service agent was shot but survived thanks to his bullet-proof vest. Speaking from the White House later, Trump described the attacker as a "very sick man" and praised the officer's bravery. Allen faces federal charges including assault on federal officers.
