Police secure a perimeter around the Washington Hilton, after a person opened fire outside of the ballroom where President Donald Trump was attending the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Bryan Dozier/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Panic broke out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night after gunfire erupted inside the Washington Hilton, prompting Secret Service to evacuate President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials.
President Trump shared this photo appearing to show the shirtless suspect on the floor of the Washington Hilton hotel
Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, who was taken into custody after an exchange of gunfire with security officers. Police said he was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives and appeared to have acted alone.
Witnesses described chaos as shots rang out inside the ballroom. Trump and top officials were safely escorted out, and no injuries to those in attendance were reported.
Police said the suspect allegedly intended to target Trump administration officials and is expected to face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and firearms offences.
The FBI has launched a wider investigation, including searches linked to the suspect in California. The incident sent shockwaves through Washington and disrupted one of the capital’s highest-profile political events.
They not afraid to kill people but afraid to die
White men having dinner in peace while black people in misery
Those who afraid of death always are the most wicked ones who kill people for a living
What does this have to do with us