At least six shots were fired outside the ballroom at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026. The gunman was stopped at a security checkpoint near the metal detectors and was taken into custody. President Trump, the first lady and other protectees were ushered to safety and are unharmed.
Law enforcement and Secret Service
– Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the Secret Service and D.C. Metropolitan Police are investigating a shooting near the main security screening area. A person is in custody and the president and first lady are safe.
– Secret Service Director Sean Curran said agents “performed admirably” in apprehending the suspected gunman. Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said the suspect “underestimated” protection and was stopped at first contact, praising the agency’s layered security.
– A Secret Service agent was struck but was wearing a bulletproof vest and is expected to be OK, sources said.
The suspect
– Three sources identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California. Authorities say he was reportedly a guest at the hotel.
– Allen was armed with a shotgun and a handgun and also carried multiple knives, officials said.
– Law enforcement sources say Allen told investigators he intended to shoot “administration officials,” though he did not specifically say he targeted President Trump.
– Allen previously worked as a tutor in Torrance, received a “Teacher of the Month” award from C2 Education in December 2024, and graduated from Caltech in 2017, according to reports.
– The suspect was injured during the incident and taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Charges and investigation
– Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the investigation is ongoing and charges will be filed “shortly.”
– U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect will be charged, for now, with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon; she predicted more charges as the probe continues.
– Law enforcement secured a hotel room and is executing search warrants to determine what was inside. Officials said the suspect is believed to be the only suspect.
What happened at the dinner
– Attendees said they heard three to four — and by some accounts up to six to eight — shots around 8:30 p.m. near a back stairwell opposite the stage where the president was seated.
– Guests in the ballroom including cabinet members and journalists crouched next to tables and were evacuated as Secret Service and armed officers moved through the room.
– Video from inside the dinner showed attendees huddled by tables and security officers with guns drawn. Photos captured guests being escorted out, some hiding under tables.
– Gunpowder smell was reported near the back of the room.
Officials and attendees
– Among those at the dinner and escorted away by agents were Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, FBI Director Kash Patel, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
– White House Correspondents’ Association president and CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang, who sat next to the president, described the moment as traumatic and said the First Amendment’s freedoms are fragile. She noted her family was in attendance and said, “Nobody should have to feel that way.”
– CBS News reporters captured immediate video of the chaos, including people sheltering and agents shouting “clear.”
President Trump’s remarks and social posts
– President Trump was whisked off stage and later held a press conference from the White House briefing room. He confirmed one law enforcement officer was shot but likely saved by a bulletproof vest.
– Mr. Trump said the shooter charged the screening area from “50 yards away,” called the suspect a “whack job” and a “sick person,” and urged Americans to “recommit with their hearts” to resolving differences peacefully. He said the attack underscored the dangers of the presidency and called it a “dangerous profession.”
– Trump posted a photo and security video to Truth Social appearing to show the suspect on the ground and handcuffed and footage of the suspect running past Secret Service. He praised Secret Service and law enforcement for swift action and initially urged the dinner to continue.
Reactions and context
– House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries thanked law enforcement and said “the violence and chaos in America must end.”
– Officials at the White House, including Acting AG Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, were involved in briefings after the incident.
– Law enforcement sources initially gave conflicting reports on whether the shooter had been killed; White House officials later said the person was “neutralized” but alive.
Timeline of key updates (selected)
– 9:12–9:19 p.m.: Security images and video show attendees hiding and being evacuated after loud bangs; agents escorted guests away.
– 9:24–9:57 p.m.: President Trump posted that the shooter had been apprehended and later said he would leave the dinner and hold a press conference from the White House.
– 10:17–10:49 p.m.: Secret Service confirmed a person in custody; Trump and others were safe; multiple officials addressed the incident.
– 11:26–11:55 p.m.: Sources identified the suspect as Cole Allen; Secret Service and D.C. police provided details about the arrest and the weapons; Weijia Jiang described the frightening experience of those seated near the stage and noted gratitude that everyone is safe.
– Early morning: Officials continued to confirm details about the suspect’s background, the weapons involved, and ongoing warrants and searches.
Investigators are continuing to examine motive, the suspect’s possible targets, and any wider threat. Authorities said charges will be added as more information is developed and search warrants are executed.