Story perspectives

Gunman Fires Near White House Dinner; Trump Evacuated, Shooter Arrested

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

A gunman opened fire near White House Correspondents’ Dinner ballroom at Washington Hilton, prompting President Donald Trump’s evacuation and the suspect’s arrest.
The 31-year-old shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, entered the hotel, carried a shotgun and handgun, and sent a manifesto labeling himself a “Friendly Federal Assassin”.
A Secret Service officer was unharmed after a vest stopped a round, while Allen faces federal firearm and assault charges, arraignment set for Monday.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton, wounding Reagan, James Brady, Tim McCarthy and Thomas Delahanty. The 1981 attack highlighted vulnerabilities that later shaped Secret Service procedures. A 2024 shooting at the same hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner revived concerns about hotel security and federal gun-control policy.

1 of 2

Story summary

A gunman opened fire near White House Correspondents’ Dinner ballroom at Washington Hilton, prompting President Donald Trump’s evacuation and the suspect’s arrest.
The 31-year-old shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, entered the hotel, carried a shotgun and handgun, and sent a manifesto labeling himself a “Friendly Federal Assassin”.
A Secret Service officer was unharmed after a vest stopped a round, while Allen faces federal firearm and assault charges, arraignment set for Monday.

1 / 2