Tuesday, 28 Apr, 2026
Published: April 26, 2026, 10:25 PM
In a major security breach on Saturday night, United States President Donald Trump was evacuated from the annual White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington, DC, after gunfire erupted outside the venue. The President, First Lady Melania Trump, and senior Cabinet members were reported to be unharmed following the incident at the Washington Hilton hotel.
The shooting occurred just as the annual media gala was underway. Witnesses described a scene of chaos inside the ballroom as attendees took cover under tables when shots rang out near the entrance. Secret Service agents acted swiftly, swarming the President`s table and rushing him offstage to a secure location. Al Jazeera producer Chris Sheridan, who was present at the scene, reported hearing five gunshots just behind the doors leading to the ballroom, noting the distinct smell of gunpowder in the air.
At a news conference held shortly after the incident, President Trump revealed that a male suspect armed with multiple weapons had attempted to charge a security checkpoint. The intruder was neutralized by Secret Service personnel. Trump described the suspect as a “very sick person” who sought to attack the nation`s core principles. During the confrontation, a Secret Service officer was shot, but the President confirmed that the officer`s bulletproof vest saved his life and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The Secret Service confirmed that the shooting took place at a screening area and that one individual is currently in custody. Multiple news outlets have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Jeanine Ferris Pirro, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, stated that the suspect will face multiple federal charges, including assault on federal officers with a dangerous weapon. FBI Director Kash Patel has urged the public to provide any relevant information regarding the suspect’s background.
This is not the first time President Trump has been targeted. During his 2024 campaign, a sniper in Butler, Pennsylvania, opened fire at a rally, wounding Trump’s ear and killing a bystander. Reflecting on the recurring threats, Trump stated, “Today, we need levels of security that probably nobody has ever seen before.” He emphasized that despite the dangers, he does not intend to cancel public events, asserting that democracy must continue to function.
Global leaders have been quick to condemn the attack. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed their relief over the President`s safety. Modi posted on X that violence has no place in a democratic society and must be condemned unequivocally. The White House correspondents’ dinner, which celebrates press freedom, was interrupted for the first time in such a violent manner, prompting calls for a thorough review of security protocols at high-profile Washington events.
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