Story perspectives

Judge Charges Shooter After Attempted Assassination at White House Dinner

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Federal judge charged Cole Tomas Allen with an attempted-assassination count carrying a life sentence.
Allen opened fire on April 25, 2026 at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, entering Washington Hilton checkpoint with a shotgun, handgun and knives, wounding a Secret Service agent.
Minutes before, he emailed a manifesto calling himself a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and targeting officials.
President Donald Trump praised Secret Service swift response and promoted a White House ballroom for security.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, prompting the 1982 Presidential Protection Act. Six decades later, on April 25 2026, gunman Cole Tomas Allen discharged up to eight rounds during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, forcing President Donald Trump’s evacuation and prompting renewed Secret Service protocols.

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Story summary

Federal judge charged Cole Tomas Allen with an attempted-assassination count carrying a life sentence.
Allen opened fire on April 25, 2026 at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, entering Washington Hilton checkpoint with a shotgun, handgun and knives, wounding a Secret Service agent.
Minutes before, he emailed a manifesto calling himself a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and targeting officials.
President Donald Trump praised Secret Service swift response and promoted a White House ballroom for security.

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