A gunman who opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Dinner has been identified by authorities as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California. The incident occurred late Saturday at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., where high-profile guests, including Donald Trump and Melania Trump, were attending the annual event.
Authorities said Allen rushed a Secret Service checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, prompting an immediate armed response from security personnel stationed at the venue.
During a late-night press briefing, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that the suspect 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,” adding that more charges are expected.
Officials disclosed that Allen was subdued before reaching the main ballroom, an intervention they say likely prevented a far more catastrophic attack on attendees.
The suspect was not struck by gunfire during the exchange but was apprehended and transported to a local hospital following his arrest, according to the Secret Service.
Inside the ballroom, confusion initially reigned as guests mistook the sound of gunfire for something less alarming. President Trump later said his first reaction was to assume a catering mishap, noting, “I’ve heard that many times.”
The situation escalated rapidly when armed agents entered the hall, shouting “get down,” prompting guests to take cover under tables and chairs as panic spread across the venue.
President Trump, the first lady, and senior officials, including JD Vance, were quickly evacuated under heavy security. Trump briefly stumbled as he was rushed out alongside his wife to a secure location within the hotel.
Outside the ballroom, some attendees found themselves directly exposed to danger. Veteran journalist Wolf Blitzer described the moment, saying, “I start hearing gunshots in the hall right near me, and the next thing I knew, a police officer threw me to the ground and was on top of me.” He added, “The gunshots were so loud, so frightening that it scared all of us. We had no idea what was going on.”
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, was armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, and is believed to have acted alone. A Secret Service agent was struck in the chest during the exchange but survived due to wearing a ballistic vest.
As security forces secured the venue, guests gradually emerged from hiding, while officials and cabinet members were systematically evacuated. Efforts to communicate were hampered by poor mobile reception inside the hotel.
Although there were initial considerations to continue the dinner, security agencies halted the event. “I fought like hell to stay,” Trump said, “but it’s protocol.” He later described the incident as “very unexpected, but incredibly acted upon,” while noting the emotional toll on the first lady and describing the atmosphere during the crisis as “totally unified” in the face of danger.
