Olayiwola Matthew
An armed security breach at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner triggered panic in Washington late Saturday, forcing the evacuation of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump after shots were fired at a Secret Service checkpoint.
The dramatic incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton, where about 2,600 guests had gathered for the high-profile event. Authorities confirmed that a lone suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from the Los Angeles area, is now in custody.
According to officials, the suspect charged through a security checkpoint in the hotel lobby at approximately 8:35 p.m. ET, armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. As he breached the perimeter, Secret Service agents engaged him, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
A Secret Service agent was struck during the confrontation but was protected by a bulletproof vest and is in stable condition. Law enforcement officers quickly subdued the suspect, tackling and handcuffing him at the scene before transporting him to a hospital for evaluation.
The man identified as the shooter in a photo posted by Trump on Truth Social on April 25, 2026. Handout via REUTERS
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said the incident appeared to be isolated, with no immediate indication of a broader threat. However, investigators are still working to determine the suspect’s motive.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the suspect allegedly expressed intentions to target officials in the Trump administration, though authorities have yet to confirm a clear motive.
In California, FBI agents and local law enforcement officials cordoned off the suspect’s residence as part of an ongoing investigation. Media crews gathered outside the property while agents conducted searches.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran praised the swift response of agents, saying the incident demonstrated the effectiveness of layered security measures.
“Tonight we saw exactly what our brave men and women do every day to protect our protectees,” Curran said in a statement.
The annual dinner was immediately cancelled following the incident. President Trump later addressed reporters at the White House, describing the suspect as “a sick person” and vowing that such attacks would not disrupt national life.
