Story perspectives

UFC CEO Calls White House Shooting “Awesome,” Trump Assassin Arrested

4/30/2026

Summary

White Praises Shooting

Dana White, UFC chief executive, called the April 25 White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting “f***ing awesome.”
Cole Allen, 31, was arrested and charged with attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump after a police officer was shot but survived with a vest.
Sean Strickland, former UFC champion, called White a “narcissistic sociopath,” while Matt Brown, retired welterweight, called the remarks flabbergasting.
Ariel Helwani, MMA journalist, called White’s comments psychotic and inexcusable.

Summary

Allen Smuggles Weapons

Cole Tomas Allen slipped past a metal-detector at the Washington Hilton carrying a shotgun, handgun and knives.
Secret Service agents engaged Allen on another floor, striking an officer in his bullet-proof vest, who was treated and remained stable.
After the Department of Homeland Security gave the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 fight a SEAR 1 rating, prosecutors charged Allen with two firearm-use counts and one assault count, prompting security upgrades.

History

Historical Context

The November 22, 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas spurred major upgrades to presidential protection and broader event security protocols. When Cole Allen slipped past a metal detector at the Washington Hilton in 2024, UFC CEO Dana White’s remarks revived calls for mandatory screening at high-profile gatherings and new legislation.

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White Praises Shooting

Dana White, UFC chief executive, called the April 25 White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting “f***ing awesome.”
Cole Allen, 31, was arrested and charged with attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump after a police officer was shot but survived with a vest.
Sean Strickland, former UFC champion, called White a “narcissistic sociopath,” while Matt Brown, retired welterweight, called the remarks flabbergasting.
Ariel Helwani, MMA journalist, called White’s comments psychotic and inexcusable.

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