WASHINGTON, U.S. United States President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, were hurriedly taken offstage following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner (WHCA).
This was after reports of gunfire triggered a rapid Secret Service response at the well-attended event. The incident unfolded on the night of Saturday, April 25, 2026, roughly 30 minutes into the dinner, just as the guests were being served their opening course.
Before security intervened, attendees reported hearing a series of loud bangs, which some described as gunshots and others as smashing plates. What had already been a unique Correspondents’ Dinner was cut short by the incident.
The individual involved in the shooting was identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen from Torrance, California, US media reported. The suspect is in custody and hospitalised and was reportedly armed with a shotgun and a handgun, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told reporters that the suspect in the WHCA shooting incident is being charged with two counts.
“Right now, the defendant is being charged with two counts: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon,” said Pirro.
How a Secret Service officer was saved
Pirro disclosed that there was an individual within the Secret Service officers who was shot but fortunately survived and is recuperating in the hospital.
“But it is clear, first of all, what we know so far: this individual was intent and was doing much harm. As much damage as he could, and thankfully, because of the checkpoint just right outside the ballroom where thousands of people were situated, including the president of the United States, because such a checkpoint worked, no one was injured. It is unclear where this defendant was going,” explained Pirro.
President Trump revealed that the suspect had multiple weapons at the correspondents’ dinner incident.
“One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing, obviously, a very good bulletproof vest,” the U.S. president said.
The Washington Hilton Hotel
He added that the officer is “doing great” after being protected by a bulletproof vest.
President Trump further said he does not believe the shooting incident is connected to US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
“I don’t think so, but you never know… we’re going to know a lot,” Trump said, adding that authorities are investigating the incident.
For the first time as president, Trump attended the event without a customary comedy host. President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981 at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony was held.
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