Story perspectives

Armed Gunman Stopped Before Trump Dinner, Officer Wounded

4/27/2026

Left

Secret Service Stops

The gunman arrived armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, citing a letter labeling Trump-administration officials “pedophile, rapist, traitor.”
Agents stopped the gunman before entering the dinner ballroom where President Donald Trump and over 2,000 guests were dining.
A Secret Service officer was wounded, survived via a bullet-proof vest, and left the hospital.
Two U.S. officials not involved in planning praised the agents for averting the gunman's entry.

Right

Gunman Attacks Dinner

The gunman identified himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and mailed a manifesto to his family minutes before the attack.
Authorities said he opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, was subdued near President Donald Trump, and detained.
Cole Allen bought a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun in Torrance and an Armscor pistol in Lawndale.
CAP Tactical owner Bill Mullen said his shop conducts background checks and educates responsible shooters.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six .22-LR rounds in 1.7 seconds at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, wounding press secretary James Brady and Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy; the attack spurred tighter venue security and, after Brady’s advocacy, the 1993 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. The 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter prompted similar reviews of protective protocols.

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Secret Service Stops

The gunman arrived armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives, citing a letter labeling Trump-administration officials “pedophile, rapist, traitor.”
Agents stopped the gunman before entering the dinner ballroom where President Donald Trump and over 2,000 guests were dining.
A Secret Service officer was wounded, survived via a bullet-proof vest, and left the hospital.
Two U.S. officials not involved in planning praised the agents for averting the gunman's entry.

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