Armed suspect Cole Tomas Allen tried breaching a DC security checkpoint during the correspondents' dinner, prompting an emergency evacuation.
A major security incident at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026, disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner after an armed suspect allegedly attempted to breach a security checkpoint, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials. The incident unfolded shortly after the high-profile dinner began, transforming an evening attended by journalists, politicians, government officials and public figures into a rapidly developing security emergency. According to the information provided, authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. Investigators allege that Allen approached a security checkpoint carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun and knives. Law enforcement officers intervened before he could reach the main ballroom, where Trump and other senior administration officials were gathered.
Gunfire reportedly erupted during the confrontation between Allen and responding officers. A Secret Service agent was struck by a bullet, but the projectile hit his protective vest. The agent survived and was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Allen was also injured and taken into custody. No fatalities were reported, according to the account provided. Secret Service personnel immediately moved Trump and other protected individuals away from the area while law enforcement officers secured the hotel and searched for additional threats. Guests and journalists were instructed to evacuate or shelter in designated locations as authorities worked to determine whether the suspect had acted alone.