Story perspectives

Shooter Arrested After Opening Fire at Hilton, Trump Evacuated

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, entered the Washington Hilton and opened fire outside White House Correspondents’ Dinner ballroom.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the attacks stem from anti-Trump rhetoric and that he and Melania were evacuated, posting safety on Truth Social.
Allen, who called himself a “friendly federal assassin”, was tackled and arrested after firing a shotgun, handgun and knives, while a Secret Service agent survived thanks to a ballistic vest.

History

Historical Context

In January 2011, Jared Lee Loughner opened fire on Rep. Gabby Giffords in Tucson, killing six people and prompting nationwide calls for stricter gun laws and tighter venue security. Those reforms resurfaced after Cole Tomas Allen stormed the Washington Hilton during the May 2024 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, brandishing a shotgun and knives, reigniting the debate.

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Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, entered the Washington Hilton and opened fire outside White House Correspondents’ Dinner ballroom.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the attacks stem from anti-Trump rhetoric and that he and Melania were evacuated, posting safety on Truth Social.
Allen, who called himself a “friendly federal assassin”, was tackled and arrested after firing a shotgun, handgun and knives, while a Secret Service agent survived thanks to a ballistic vest.

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