Shooting at Washington Hilton Revives Debate Over Proposed White House Ballroom

On Saturday night, gunman Cole Thomas Allen entered Washington Hilton during White House Correspondents’ dinner and opened fire with a shotgun and handgun. President Donald Trump and guests were evacuated. The suspect was arrested after bypassing a magnetometer and charged with two offenses. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) posted on X that venue “wasn’t built to accommodate an event with line of succession” and urged Democrats to “drop the TDS and build White House ballroom.”

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President Trump has promoted a 90,000-sq-ft, $400 million White House ballroom, touting “drone-proof” and “bulletproof” features for events. National Trust for Historic Preservation sued to block the project. Judge Richard J. Leon halted construction on March 31, requiring congressional approval; an appeals court issued a stay allowing limited work. Stakeholders include Trump administration, DOJ, National Trust and bipartisan lawmakers.

The Hill

Trump argued the ballroom’s “drone-proof” and “bulletproof” features are essential for security. DOJ called the suit “frivolous” and urged dismissal, citing the Hilton attack. Leon’s injunction stressed lack of statutory authority, while the appeals court’s stay reflects a contrary view that limited construction may proceed.

The Hill

Democrats argue the dinner is a fundraiser and a White House ballroom would not have prevented the shooting. Jon Cooper warned, “the WHCA dinner is NOT sponsored by White House,” and commentators called Fetterman’s call irrational.

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• “We were there front and center. That venue wasn’t built to accommodate an event with the line of succession for the U.S. government. After witnessing last night, drop the TDS and build the White House ballroom for events exactly like these,” — John Fetterman, U.S. Senator

The Hill

• “I didn’t want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we’re planning at the White House. It’s actually a larger room, and it’s much more secure. It’s got — it’s drone-proof. It’s bulletproof glass. We need the ballroom,” — Donald Trump, President

The Hill

• “is in custody” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

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• “The hurried reviews, with construction cranes already swiveling above the White House grounds, are an abrupt departure from how new monuments, museums and even modest renovations have been designed and refined in the capital for decades,” — Emily Badger, Junho Lee & Larry Buchanan, The New York Times

Alternet

Appeals-court stay permits work while National Trust’s suit proceeds; congressional approval could resolve the dispute before an appellate ruling.

The Hill

Judge Leon says congressional approval is required, while the appeals court permits limited construction, reflecting a split on presidential authority.

Alternet