Story perspectives

Caltech Engineer Attempts Trump Assassination at Hilton, Dinner Cancelled

5/1/2026

Left

Allen Storms Hilton

Cole Tomas Allen, a Caltech-trained mechanical engineer and indie video-game developer, allegedly stormed the Washington Hilton checkpoint.
A Secret Service agent was shot at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but survived.
Allen faces charges, including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, and will stay in custody.
The attack forced Trump and Vice President JD Vance to evacuate, prompting dinner cancellation.

Right

Gunman Shoots Dinner

Defense attorneys claim the assassination charge is speculative because the suspect’s manifesto never names President Donald Trump.
A gunman fired toward the stairs at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, wounding a Secret Service officer in a vest.
His lawyers cite his record, church involvement, and reputation as a teacher to seek bail.
Prosecutors say the suspect entered armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38 handgun and knives.

History

Historical Context

On March 30 1981 John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton, wounding Reagan, press secretary James Brady and agents; the incident spurred tighter insanity-defense laws. In May 2024 Cole Tomas Allen opened fire on Secret Service agents protecting former President Donald Trump, echoing the enduring security gaps highlighted by the 1981 attack.

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Allen Storms Hilton

Cole Tomas Allen, a Caltech-trained mechanical engineer and indie video-game developer, allegedly stormed the Washington Hilton checkpoint.
A Secret Service agent was shot at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, but survived.
Allen faces charges, including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, and will stay in custody.
The attack forced Trump and Vice President JD Vance to evacuate, prompting dinner cancellation.

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