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Trump Cites Washington Hilton Shooting to Push $400 M Ballroom Proposal

4/28/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump cited the shooting to revive his $400 million White House ballroom proposal, opposed by most.
A Secret Service agent was shot in a bullet-proof vest at the Washington Hilton.
Gunman Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrence, California, was arrested, facing federal charges.
The White House said Trump and the First Lady were unharmed.
It will reschedule the dinner within 30 days and praised the Secret Service.

History

Historical Context

The April 19, 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh killed 168 people and spurred over $600 million in federal building security upgrades, including permanent barriers and setback requirements. The June 2024 Washington Hilton shooting of a Secret Service agent revived former President Donald Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom plan, echoing the pattern of attacks prompting costly protective infrastructure proposals.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump cited the shooting to revive his $400 million White House ballroom proposal, opposed by most.
A Secret Service agent was shot in a bullet-proof vest at the Washington Hilton.
Gunman Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrence, California, was arrested, facing federal charges.
The White House said Trump and the First Lady were unharmed.
It will reschedule the dinner within 30 days and praised the Secret Service.

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