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Washington Hilton Shooting Targets Trump Officials Post-Melania Kimmel Critique

4/29/2026

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Cole Allen Shooting

First Lady Melania Trump publicly denounced Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
On Saturday night, 31-year-old Cole Allen opened fire at Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, targeting Trump officials.
Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue mocked Melania’s appearance and depicted a distant relationship with President Donald Trump.
Authorities reported Allen sent his manifesto to family members shortly before the Washington Hilton attack.

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Kimmel Suspended

ABC briefly suspended Kimmel in September after FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened the network over Trump-related jokes, later reinstating him.
First Lady Melania Trump labeled Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue hateful and divisive and urged ABC to bar his appearances.
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Disney and ABC should fire Jimmy Kimmel.
Meghan McCain said she is sick of Jimmy Kimmel’s hate, leading Guardian to request comment.

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Cole Allen Shooting

First Lady Melania Trump publicly denounced Jimmy Kimmel’s “expectant widow” joke days before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting.
On Saturday night, 31-year-old Cole Allen opened fire at Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, targeting Trump officials.
Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue mocked Melania’s appearance and depicted a distant relationship with President Donald Trump.
Authorities reported Allen sent his manifesto to family members shortly before the Washington Hilton attack.

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