WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump was safely evacuated after a shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night, April 25, 2026, in what authorities describe as a suspected assassination attempt.
Gunfire erupted near the security screening area at the Washington Hilton hotel, triggering panic among the roughly 2,600 attendees, including senior government officials, journalists, and diplomats, Reuters reported.
According to officials, a lone gunman armed with multiple weapons attempted to breach security and opened fire, striking a Secret Service agent. The agent survived due to a bulletproof vest, and no senior officials were injured.
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members were quickly taken to safety as security agents secured the venue.
After he was evacuated, Donald Trump makes his first comments, writing on Truth Social that the alleged gunman “has been apprehended”.
The suspect—reported to be a 31-year-old man—was apprehended at the scene and is now in custody, with investigations ongoing into his motive.
Authorities believe he acted alone.
The annual dinner, a major political and media event in Washington, was immediately disrupted and later postponed following the incident.
Trump later confirmed that all top officials were safe and praised the rapid response of law enforcement, calling the situation shocking and emphasizing the need for strong security.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at high-profile political gatherings, especially given previous assassination attempts targeting Trump in recent years.
Shooter background
Officials say the suspect is a 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen. Early investigations suggest he was not previously known to federal law enforcement, but initial findings point to possible extremist views and anti-government sentiments.
According to CBS News, police say he was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was taking place, and was carrying multiple weapons – including guns and knives.
Authorities are reviewing his online activity, travel history, and personal connections to determine motive. So far, no confirmed ties to organized groups have been publicly established. The suspect is in custody and is expected to face multiple federal charges.
FBI Director Kash Patel: “We will be examining this individuals background thoroughly. That process has already started… we will analyze all evidence immediately to make sure that we safeguard this country.”
What happened
Gunfire broke out near a security checkpoint at the event venue, prompting Secret Service agents to immediately secure the area. One agent was injured but protected by body armor. Trump and other senior officials were quickly moved to safety.
This is not the first time Trump has been the target of violent threats or attacks:
July 2024 – Attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Pennsylvania:
During a campaign rally, a gunman opened fire, grazing Trump’s ear and killing one attendee. The attacker was shot dead by security forces.
2024–2025 – Multiple threats and plots:
U.S. authorities reported several disrupted plots and credible threats against Trump, particularly during the election period. Most involved individuals acting alone and were stopped before execution.
April 2026 – Washington shooting incident (current):
The latest case marks another escalation, occurring at a high-security, high-profile public event.
Security experts say the pattern reflects a rise in lone-actor threats against political figures in the United States. While high-level protection has so far prevented fatalities among top officials, the frequency of such incidents is raising concerns about evolving risks.