“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. The Washington Hilton was not a particularly secure building — this is exactly why we need the White House Ballroom.
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Gunman Attempts Assassination at White House Correspondents' Dinner
April 25, 2026
On the evening of April 25, 2026, shots were fired near the security screening area of the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet members were evacuated by the Secret Service. The suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, a mechanical engineer and California teacher, was arrested outside the hotel carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. A Secret Service officer was struck by at least one round but was protected by a bulletproof vest and survived. Allen had left behind a written manifesto stating his intent to target Trump administration officials. He was charged on April 27 with three federal counts: attempting to assassinate the president, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony. The attack reignited debate over Secret Service capacity, the security of the Washington Hilton as a venue, and the political climate around the Trump administration. Trump used the incident to argue for his proposed White House ballroom project.
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“Kelly and I were at the event tonight, and we're thankful no innocent people were harmed and everyone is now safe. We're grateful as always for the law enforcement and first responders who acted so quickly to bring the situation under control.
“Violence has no place in our democracy. Every elected official and public servant deserves to be safe. We are grateful for the swift action of law enforcement tonight.
“I was at the dinner tonight. I want to thank law enforcement and Capitol Police. I personally want to thank Steve Scalise who grabbed me into a secure room.