04/26/2026
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were safely evacuated Saturday night after a suspect rushed a Secret Service checkpoint during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, according to officials.
Authorities say around 8:36 p.m., a 31-year-old man allegedly armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives entered the hotel lobby and attempted to breach security. Secret Service agents immediately intercepted the suspect, and gunfire was exchanged.
Officials say the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen of California, is believed to have acted alone and may have been a hotel guest. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation and was not struck by gunfire.
One Secret Service officer was shot at close range but survived thanks to protective gear.
President Trump said he initially mistook the sound for something unrelated before realizing it was gunfire, adding that agents responded “very quickly” and evacuated him and the First Lady within seconds.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say there is no indication of any additional threats
