Story perspectives

Acting AG Charges White House Dinner Shooter with Attempted Assassination

4/28/2026

Center

Allen Charged

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced three federal charges, including an attempted assassination count that carries a possible life sentence.
Cole Thomas Allen, 31, shot at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and appeared in federal court.
The shooting occurred above the Washington Hilton ballroom, where Secret Service agents also fired.
FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro attended the DOJ press conference broadcast.

Left

Leavitt Blames Democrats

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed Democrats and the media for inciting political violence after the dinner shooting.
Gunman fired on officer above Washington Hilton ballroom in Washington D.C., was charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
Leavitt named Hakeem Jeffries, Adam Schiff, JB Pritzker and Jimmy Kimmel as encouraging violence.
The shooting marked the third assassination attempt on President Donald Trump since his 2025 inauguration.

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Allen Charged

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced three federal charges, including an attempted assassination count that carries a possible life sentence.
Cole Thomas Allen, 31, shot at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., and appeared in federal court.
The shooting occurred above the Washington Hilton ballroom, where Secret Service agents also fired.
FBI Director Kash Patel and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro attended the DOJ press conference broadcast.

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