An armed man breached security at a Washington gala attended by Donald Trump, sparking a chaotic evacuation and leading to presidential assassination charges.
WASHINGTON — An armed man stormed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25, 2026, triggering a rapid evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials and bringing one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings to an abrupt halt.
The suspect, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, allegedly entered the hotel carrying a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives before rushing toward the area leading to the dinner ballroom. President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials were inside the venue when the incident unfolded.
According to federal prosecutors, Allen attempted to get past security barriers and move toward the ballroom. Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers responded immediately as guests were directed away from the area. Trump was safely removed from the ballroom, while attendees and journalists evacuated the hotel or sought shelter as officers secured the scene.