Cheryl Hines recounted the terrifying incident when gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, detailing how security personnel swiftly lifted her over chairs to evacuate her from the ballroom.
Saturday night saw journalists mingling with key figures from the Trump administration during the annual event celebrating the First Amendment and the role of journalism in America.
The evening took a dramatic turn before appetizers were finished, as gunshots sent the room into disarray. Security teams quickly mobilized to protect and escort the nation’s influential figures to safety.
Hines attended the event alongside her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who served as Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Upon returning home, still dressed in her evening attire, the former actress recorded a video message for her followers, expressing: “That was an unbelievable experience.”
“We were there when the shots were fired, and immediately everyone ducked under the tables, unsure of the situation,” she explained, adding that her husband’s security team promptly surrounded them.
‘They had to lift me over chairs, because I’m in heels, and a gown. They took us through all of the back ways, and we got in the car and left.’
In a second update, Hines said she and her husband were okay and were home watching the news.
Hines shared a video update after the harrowing event, revealing that security teams lifted her over chairs after shots rang out
Cheryl Hines was swiftly escorted out of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night after shots were fired
Hines was in attendance with her husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. The two are pictured above before the dinner
Photos of the chaos depicted Hines and Kennedy ducking for cover and rushing out of the ballroom, accompanied by a massive security detail.
Videos inside the dinner also revealed Vice President JD Vance was hoisted out of his chair by the Secret Service, while President Trump was covered in place before being dramatically escorted off the stage.
The suspect was later identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, a teacher from Torrance, California.
Trump later shared chilling security footage of the event, which depicted the shooter storming past security with a gun in hand. Multiple armed guards rushed towards Allen before exchanging gunfire.
One officer was struck in his bulletproof vest and is expected to recover. Everyone else was unharmed. Authorities said that Allen had been armed with a handgun and multiple knives.
Guests were seen in chaotic images ducking under tables, reaching for their phones and being pushed by Secret Service agents out of the ballroom.
Hines called the incident a ‘crazy moment in time,’ but assured her followers that she and her husband were okay. The two are pictured with security detail at the dinner above
Harrowing images revealed security teams rushing to escort top administration officials out of the hotel. Hines and Kennedy are pictured leaving the venue above
Hines said in her video message that she saw guests hiding under tables in confusion. Kennedy is pictured above with his security detail
Footage shared by CBS News’ Tony Dokoupil revealed Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller shielding his pregnant wife, Katie Miller, as agents escorted them outside.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was also seen ordering his table to leave the ballroom as chants of ‘God Bless America’ and ‘USA’ were heard in the background.
The event attempted to resume, but the dinner was canceled for the evening, and guests departed the venue.
Meanwhile, cops swarmed Allen’s parents’ $877,000 home shortly after he was arrested.
Officials said Allen had no prior criminal record and was not previously known to law enforcement in Washington DC.
Photographs circulating online show him smiling alongside family members at graduations and gatherings.
His social media details indicate he is highly educated and academically accomplished.
Authorities confirmed the suspect’s name is Cole Thomas Allen, 31, a teacher from Torrance, California, pictured above
Allen was tackled to the ground and handcuffed by authorities after storming security, pictured above
On LinkedIn, he describes himself as: ‘A mechanical engineer and computer scientist by degree, independent game developer by experience, teacher by birth.’
Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and later a Master of Science in Computer Science from a California State University.
During his time at Caltech, Allen listed his involvement in the Caltech Christian Fellowship and the Caltech Nerf Club.
More recently, Allen had been working in education. In December 2024, he was named Teacher of the Month at C2 Education, a recognition typically reserved for standout instructors.
Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. He is expected to be arraigned in federal court on Monday.
If convicted, Allen could face 20 years in jail for the assault, while the weapons charges come with a minimum of ten years, with a possibility of life behind bars.
