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Shooter Attacks House Dinner; Officer Wounded, Trump Wants New Ballroom

4/27/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen opened fire outside Washington Hilton during the White House dinner and is in custody.
A Secret Service officer was shot but survived thanks to a vest while President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance were evacuated.
President Donald Trump said the attack proved need for a new White House ballroom.
The White House Correspondents' Association will reschedule the dinner within 30 days.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981, John Hinckley Jr. opened fire on President Ronald Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton, firing six bullets in 1.7 seconds. The Secret Service’s rapid response saved Reagan and wounded James Brady, prompting sweeping security revisions and stricter venue screening; these changes remain core to protective protocols today.

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Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen opened fire outside Washington Hilton during the White House dinner and is in custody.
A Secret Service officer was shot but survived thanks to a vest while President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance were evacuated.
President Donald Trump said the attack proved need for a new White House ballroom.
The White House Correspondents' Association will reschedule the dinner within 30 days.

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