WASHINGTON — An armed man stormed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, triggering a rapid evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials and bringing one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings to an abrupt halt.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, allegedly entered the hotel carrying a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives before rushing toward the area leading to the dinner ballroom. President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials were inside the venue when the incident unfolded.
According to federal prosecutors, Allen attempted to get past security barriers and move toward the ballroom. Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers responded immediately as guests were directed away from the area. Trump was safely removed from the ballroom, while attendees and journalists evacuated the hotel or sought shelter as officers secured the scene.
Secret Service Officer Struck by Gunfire
During the confrontation, a Secret Service officer was struck by buckshot fired from Allen’s shotgun, according to federal prosecutors. The officer was wearing protective body armor and was not seriously injured. Allen was taken into custody at the scene and was subsequently evaluated at a hospital.
The incident did not result in fatalities, and Trump was unharmed. The dinner was cut short as law enforcement established a security perimeter and investigated whether additional threats existed.
Federal prosecutors later charged Allen with attempting to assassinate the president, along with federal firearms offenses. On May 11, Allen pleaded not guilty to the charges, meaning the allegations remain subject to the federal criminal justice process.
Investigation Examines Alleged Motive
Investigators have examined Allen’s writings, movements and preparations in an effort to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Federal authorities have said the evidence indicates he traveled to Washington with the intention of targeting Trump and members of the administration.
Court filings have also described preparations made before the attack, including a photograph Allen allegedly took in his hotel room shortly before attempting to breach the security area. Prosecutors have argued that the evidence demonstrates advance planning.
The episode has also prompted renewed scrutiny of security arrangements at major presidential events. Officials said the event had multiple layers of protection, but Allen was able to move past an outer security point before being stopped by law enforcement. Authorities have continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the breach and the protective measures used that evening.
The investigation and court proceedings remain ongoing as prosecutors and defense attorneys address the allegations and authorities continue examining the suspect’s background and actions.
