Story perspectives

Shooter Attempts Trump Assassination at Dinner, Salad-Eating Agent Goes Viral

4/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, opened fire with firearms at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, targeting President Donald Trump and was injured by Secret Service agents.
Michael Glantz, a talent agent, was filmed calmly eating salad during the gunfire and became a viral sensation after speaking to TMZ.
Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, remains jailed, and faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.

History

Historical Context

In 1981, John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, wounding the president and three aides. In 2024, Cole Tomas Allen discharged up to eight rounds at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, targeting President Donald Trump and prompting Secret Service evacuation. Both attacks show a pattern of assaults on U.S. leaders at events, driving security upgrades and gun-control debate.

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Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, opened fire with firearms at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, targeting President Donald Trump and was injured by Secret Service agents.
Michael Glantz, a talent agent, was filmed calmly eating salad during the gunfire and became a viral sensation after speaking to TMZ.
Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, remains jailed, and faces up to life imprisonment if convicted.

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