Full Breakdown
Rep. Jim Jordan Links WHCA Dinner Shooting to SPLC Fraud Case
4/28/2026, 1:10:54 AM
Jordan’s Alleged Connection Between Two Week-Long Events
On April 26, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) told Fox New that attack on President Trump at WHCA dinner and DOJ’s indictment of SPLC occurred that week, not coincidental. He offered no evidence, linking SPLC case to shooter’s motives.
Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner
On Saturday, a gunman fired rounds outside Washington Hilton ballroom where WHCA dinner was held, was apprehended and remains in custody. White House officials said they reviewed suspect’s writings, showing desire to target administration officials.
DOJ’s 11-Count Indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center
The DOJ filed eleven counts—wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, false statements—against SPLC. Prosecutors allege nonprofit misled donors and banks through defunct program that paid informants tied to Ku Klux Klan, National Socialist Movement and Aryan Nation. SPLC denies wrongdoing and vows vigorous defense.
Key Actors
- Jim Jordan, Rep. (R-Ohio) – longtime Trump ally.
- Donald Trump, former president, WHCA shooting target.
- Southern Poverty Law Center, civil-rights nonprofit tracking hate groups.
- Department of Justice, federal prosecutor.
- White House officials, reviewers of shooter’s statements.
Chronology of the Week
Official Statements & Responses
White House officials said they reviewed suspect’s writings, showing desire to target administration officials. The DOJ’s filing listed eleven charges—wire fraud, money-laundering conspiracy, false statements—against SPLC.
Criticism & Opposition
Legal analysts cited in the source describe the SPLC investigation as politically motivated.
Conflicting Reports & Evidentiary Gaps
Jordan’s claim lacks evidence. While the White House reviewed the shooter’s motives, no documentation ties the SPLC indictment to the attacker’s intent, leaving a gap between speculation and verified facts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don't think it should be lost on anyone that we have a third assassination attempt on President Trump in the same week we learned that the Southern Poverty Law Center has been paying and generating hate.” — Jim Jordan, U.S. Representative (R-Ohio)
- “I don’t think that’s an accident that we learn about those two things the same week.” — Jim Jordan, U.S. Representative (R-Ohio)
- “This stuff has got to stop,” — Jim Jordan, U.S. Representative (R-Ohio)
What’s Next
The SPLC has pledged a vigorous defense in federal court, and the shooter remains in custody pending criminal prosecution.
