Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has been accused of firing shots at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Authorities revealed in a late-night press briefing on Saturday that Allen allegedly bypassed a Secret Service checkpoint while brandishing multiple weapons at the high-profile event.
A photograph shared on social media shows a suspect being subdued by law enforcement officers, lying face down on the ground after the security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026.
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, announced at the press conference that Allen faces charges of using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. Additional charges are anticipated.
According to the Secret Service, Allen was not injured by gunfire but was captured and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
In response to the incident, President Donald Trump, along with First Lady Melania Trump and key cabinet members, were swiftly evacuated by the Secret Service. A Secret Service officer, who was hit by a bullet that struck his ballistic vest, was also taken to a hospital for treatment.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
