An armed intruder attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026, forcing a sudden emergency evacuation of President Donald Trump, top officials, and hundreds of journalists. The dramatic security breach disrupted the high-profile annual gala just twenty minutes after the presidential arrival.
Federal authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Officials confirmed that the Caltech graduate and video game developer carried a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives while rushing the heavily secured perimeter of the venue.
U.S. Secret Service agents swiftly intercepted Allen inside the hotel lobby before he could breach the crowded ballroom. A violent physical struggle ensued, during which gunfire erupted. One Secret Service agent was struck at close range by a bullet during the chaotic confrontation.