Story perspectives

Trump Blames Targeted Leaders After White House Dinner Shooting

4/27/2026

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Trump Deflects Blame

President Donald Trump deflected blame for the dinner shooting by saying high-profile leaders are natural targets.
A shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen was identified.
Trump cited a 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania rally where he was shot in the ear.
The remark said the U.S. was a ‘laughingstock’ now ‘the hottest country’ and praised security.

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Trump Responds

Rep. Mike Lawler and Trump ally Kari Lake blasted the Washington Hilton’s security, citing missing photo-ID checks, magnetometers and buffers.
31-year-old computer scientist Cole Allen opened fire at the Washington Hilton after breaching a Secret Service checkpoint.
President Donald Trump said the shooter was 50 yards away and praised the rapid response.
The manifesto contained anti-Trump, anti-Christian rhetoric and Secret Service officer was injured but will recover.

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Trump Deflects Blame

President Donald Trump deflected blame for the dinner shooting by saying high-profile leaders are natural targets.
A shooter opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen was identified.
Trump cited a 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania rally where he was shot in the ear.
The remark said the U.S. was a ‘laughingstock’ now ‘the hottest country’ and praised security.

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