Crazy Footage from Trump's Assassination Attempt | WATCH
President Trump vows to continue his work after a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner marks his third major security threat since 2024.
President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials were swiftly evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner on Saturday night after gunfire erupted near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel.
The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. EDT on April 25, 2026, as the annual event — the first time Trump attended as sitting president — was underway in the hotel's ballroom. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots near the main magnetometer screening area in the lobby. Secret Service agents immediately rushed to shield and remove the president and other protectees from the stage, while guests ducked under tables.
No one inside the ballroom was injured. One Secret Service officer was struck by gunfire but was saved by his bulletproof vest. The suspect was stopped at the checkpoint and taken into custody following a brief exchange of fire.
Authorities identified the gunman as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California (near Los Angeles). He was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He did not breach the secure area.
Federal prosecutors say Allen will face charges including two counts of "using a firearm during a crime of violence" and "assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon." The motive remains under investigation. Trump and law enforcement officials described the attacker as appearing to act alone.
In a late-night press conference at the White House, President Trump called the event "very unexpected" and praised the rapid response of the Secret Service. He referred to the incident as the third time he has faced serious threats since 2024, including the two assassination attempts during his presidential campaign (Butler, Pennsylvania, and a Florida golf course).
Trump stated he views the repeated incidents as a reflection of his impact but vowed not to let them affect his work.
The dinner was abruptly canceled, and the evening ended in chaos as law enforcement secured the scene.
This marks the latest security incident involving President Trump. He survived an assassination attempt in Butler, PA, in July 2024, where a bullet grazed his ear, and another incident at a golf course in September 2024.
Investigations by the Secret Service, FBI, and D.C. police are ongoing.