Armed Man Storms White House Correspondents’ Dinner; Trump Evacuated

by | Apr 26, 2026 | News

President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner Saturday night after an armed man charged a Secret Service checkpoint at Washington’s Hilton Hotel, triggering a chaotic scene inside the ballroom.

The suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after attempting to breach the security perimeter. He was found armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. One Secret Service officer was struck by gunfire, though a bulletproof vest stopped the round; the officer was released from the hospital early Sunday.

Trump, attending the dinner for the first time as president, described the evening beforehand as one of unexpected unity between press and administration. He said he initially mistook the commotion for a falling service tray before being swept out by agents.

The suspect is set to be arraigned Monday on charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the agency had taken over the evidence response and was conducting witness interviews. Trump called Allen a “sick person” and praised the Secret Service response.

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