WASHINGTON — A heavily armed man breached a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, triggering an emergency response and the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials attending the event.
The incident occurred on April 25, 2026, shortly after 8:30 p.m., as Trump and other high-ranking government officials were gathered inside the hotel for the annual dinner. Federal prosecutors later charged 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, with attempting to assassinate the president, along with several federal firearms and assault offenses.
Suspect Rushed Security Checkpoint
According to court documents, Allen had traveled from California to Washington by train and checked into the Washington Hilton on April 24, one day before the dinner. Investigators say he had made his hotel reservation weeks earlier.
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on April 25, Allen approached a Secret Service security checkpoint on the hotel’s Terrace Level, an area leading toward the ballroom where the dinner was being held.
Federal prosecutors allege that Allen sprinted through a magnetometer while carrying a long gun. A gunshot was heard as he passed through the checkpoint.
A U.S. Secret Service officer, identified in court records by initials, was struck once in the chest. The officer was wearing a ballistic vest, which prevented the gunshot from causing more serious injury.
The officer immediately returned fire, shooting five times at Allen, according to the May 5 federal indictment. Allen fell to the ground and was taken into custody. Prosecutors said he suffered a minor knee injury but was not struck by gunfire.
Weapons Recovered
Authorities said Allen was carrying a Mossberg Maverick 88 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38-caliber pistol when he was arrested.
Investigators also recovered dozens of rounds of ammunition, two knives, four daggers, multiple sheaths and holsters, needle-nose pliers and wire cutters, according to the indictment.
Allen was transported to Howard University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was subsequently returned to federal custody. Prosecutors said he invoked his right to remain silent after being advised of his Miranda rights.
Federal Assassination Charge
The Justice Department charged Allen on April 27 with attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
A federal grand jury later returned a four-count indictment on May 5. The additional charge accused Allen of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon.
According to federal prosecutors, investigators obtained an email Allen sent to family members and a former employer shortly before the attack. Authorities said the message indicated that he was about to carry out the actions that ultimately led to the shooting.
The FBI and Secret Service investigated the incident, with the Metropolitan Police Department also involved in the broader investigation.
Dinner Canceled After Security Breach
The shooting prompted an immediate security response at the hotel as officials secured the area and evacuated people from the event.
Trump and other senior officials were protected by Secret Service personnel as authorities responded to the threat. Federal officials later credited the rapid intervention of law enforcement with preventing the suspect from reaching the ballroom.
The incident transformed what had been a nationally watched political and media gathering into a major security emergency. The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, a longstanding annual event bringing together journalists, government officials and political figures, was ultimately canceled following the breach.
The case remains a federal criminal matter, and the charges against Allen are allegations unless and until proven in court.