Full Breakdown
John Hinckley Jr. Calls Washington Hilton “Not Secure” After WHCD Shooting
4/30/2026, 1:27:23 AM
Recent Shooting at the Washington Hilton
On Saturday, April 25 2026, a gunman opened fire in the Washington Hilton lobby during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, carried a shotgun, a handgun and several knives. He fired near the main magnetometer checkpoint; a Secret Service agent wearing a bullet-proof vest was struck but survived. President Donald Trump and other officials were evacuated without injury. No deaths were reported.
Hinckley’s Security Warning
John Hinckley Jr., who shot President Ronald Reagan at the same hotel in 1981, told TMZ the 2026 incident was “spooky” because it occurred at the venue where his attack took place. He said “bad things keep happening” there and that it is “just not a secure place to hold big events,” urging the Washington Hilton to stop hosting large gatherings.
1981 Reagan Assassination Attempt (Background)
On March 30 1981, Hinckley used a revolver to shoot President Reagan, Press Secretary James Brady, a police officer and a Secret Service agent outside the Washington Hilton. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity, spent more than three decades in psychiatric care, and received unconditional release in June 2022.
Official Statements & Responses
A Washington Hilton spokesperson said staff and guests’ safety are the “top priority” and described security as “stringent” under Secret Service direction. The Secret Service confirmed coordination with local police and hotel security. President Trump later called the building “not a particularly secure building” and reiterated calls for a White House ballroom.
Criticism, Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Journalists at the dinner reported “minimal screening procedures,” contrasting the hotel’s claim of “stringent” security. Sources differ on the suspect’s age (30 vs 31) and occupation (engineer, teacher, part-time teacher). His name appears as “Cole Tomas Allen” in some reports and “Cole Allen” in others. The shooter’s motive remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “spooky” that the incident “took place at the same hotel as mine did.” — John Hinckley Jr., TMZ interview
- “bad things keep happening” there, and “it’s just not a secure place to hold big events.” — John Hinckley Jr., TMZ interview
- “not a particularly secure building” — President Donald Trump, post-shooting remarks
- “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social post
What’s Next
Federal investigators are reviewing the breach, and congressional committees are expected to hold hearings on venue security for presidential events. The White House Correspondents’ Association has said the dinner may be rescheduled within 30 days, while proposals for a dedicated White House ballroom continue to gain legislative support.
