Armed Suspect Storms Washington Hilton During White House Correspondents’ Dinner
WASHINGTON — The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was abruptly disrupted on April 25, 2026, after an armed man allegedly rushed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, sending law enforcement officers into action and prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior government officials.
The suspect was identified by federal authorities as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Allen allegedly ran through a security screening area on the hotel’s Terrace Level while carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. Prosecutors say he moved toward stairs leading to the ballroom where Trump and other attendees were gathered.
The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m., when the annual dinner was underway. The event had drawn journalists, government officials and other prominent guests, with the president among those attending.