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Caltech Graduate Shoots at White House Dinner, Trump Evacuated

4/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting evacuation of President Donald Trump.
The gunman was identified as Cole Allen, a Caltech graduate who taught in Torrence.
Allen carried firearms, exchanged fire with police, and was tackled.
A Secret Service officer was protected by a vest after being hit.
Federal prosecutors will charge Allen with firearm use in a crime and assault on a federal officer.

History

Historical Context

The White House has faced repeated breaches, from the May 20 2016 shooting where Jesse Olivieri was shot and the residence locked down for roughly 45 minutes, to the recent White House Correspondents’ Dinner gunfire that forced evacuation of President Donald Trump. These incidents echo a pattern of security lapses at high-profile political events, prompting calls for tighter protection.

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Story summary

The shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting evacuation of President Donald Trump.
The gunman was identified as Cole Allen, a Caltech graduate who taught in Torrence.
Allen carried firearms, exchanged fire with police, and was tackled.
A Secret Service officer was protected by a vest after being hit.
Federal prosecutors will charge Allen with firearm use in a crime and assault on a federal officer.

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