Story perspectives

Gunman Attacks WH Correspondents Dinner; Trump Evacuated Safe

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cole Allen, 31, opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner checkpoint with a shotgun, handgun and knives, leading to his arrest.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and the first lady were evacuated from the Washington Hilton ballroom and remained safe.
President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, said the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, and announced Cole Allen faces firearm and assault charges.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, wounding Reagan, press secretary James Brady and two officers. The April 2026 breach of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner checkpoint by Cole Allen, who fired up to eight rounds, revived concerns from that era and spurred new federal funding for tighter venue security.

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Story summary

Cole Allen, 31, opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner checkpoint with a shotgun, handgun and knives, leading to his arrest.
U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and the first lady were evacuated from the Washington Hilton ballroom and remained safe.
President Donald Trump praised the Secret Service’s response, said the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, and announced Cole Allen faces firearm and assault charges.

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