Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Armed Gunman Arrested, Secret Service Officer Shot

4/28/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen entered Washington Hilton press gala on April 24 with a shotgun, pistol and knives and was arrested.
Prosecutors said he bought weapons in California and traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago before Washington.
A Secret Service officer was shot in the chest but survived because his vest stopped the bullet.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt blamed political rhetoric inspiring the gunman and demanded it stop.

History

Historical Context

The 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, where Sirhan Sirhan fired eight rounds, led the Secret Service to broaden protection for presidential candidates. On April 24 2024, gunman Cole Tomas Allen entered the Washington Hilton press gala armed with a shotgun, pistol and knives, wounding a Secret Service officer despite his vest, underscoring persistent security gaps at political events and sparking renewed gun-control demands.

1 of 2

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen entered Washington Hilton press gala on April 24 with a shotgun, pistol and knives and was arrested.
Prosecutors said he bought weapons in California and traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago before Washington.
A Secret Service officer was shot in the chest but survived because his vest stopped the bullet.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt blamed political rhetoric inspiring the gunman and demanded it stop.

1 / 2