On Saturday evening, April 25, 2026, a gunman opened fire near the main security screening area outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner was being held. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and members of the Cabinet were inside the ballroom when the shots were fired. None were injured.
The U.S. Secret Service swiftly evacuated the President and his Cabinet from the room. Reporters and dinner guests were told to take cover, then ushered out of the venue. The dinner was cleared by approximately 9:20 p.m. EDT and effectively cancelled for the evening.
The suspect
Federal authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Allen, an educator who had recently received a "teacher of the month" award and was also reported to be a video-game developer, traveled across the country before charging the magnetometer screening area outside the ballroom. He fired at least six rounds from a shotgun he purchased in August 2025 before being subdued. He never made it past the metal detectors and never entered the ballroom.
One Secret Service agent was struck in a bullet-resistant vest during the response. He is expected to make a full recovery; no other injuries were reported.
A "manifesto" sent minutes before the attack
Allen sent a written manifesto to family members minutes before the incident, in which he referred to himself as "The Friendly Federal Assassin" and stated his intent to target Trump administration officials. He also indicated he was not targeting law enforcement. Allen's brother contacted the New London Police Department in Connecticut after receiving the message, and the family relayed the warning to authorities, but only minutes before the shooting began.
Investigators have described preliminary findings on Allen's social media accounts as containing anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric. According to President Trump, the manifesto indicates the suspect "hates Christians."
Charges
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that Allen will face two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Pirro said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. The FBI is searching Allen's California home.
Authorities currently believe Allen acted alone.
