‘Would-be assassin’ held after shots fired at Trump gala
Panic gripped a high-profile media gala in Washington on Saturday night after gunshots were heard during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, prompting swift action by security agencies.
US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage by Secret Service personnel as chaos unfolded inside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the black-tie event.
Suspect detained at security checkpoint
Authorities quickly detained a suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Initial reports suggest he was intercepted near a screening area outside the main venue.
Images and videos circulating on social media show the suspect pinned to the ground by law enforcement officers.
Trump, Melania, Vance unharmed
The president later confirmed that he, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were safe.
“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
‘Would-be assassin’, says Trump
Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf” and a “would-be assassin”, adding that investigators are still examining all possible angles.
“He was a very sick man,” Trump said, praising the quick response of the Secret Service. “The reaction time of the Secret Service was very fast.”
He also revealed that the suspect was carrying multiple weapons and that a security officer was shot but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest.
Confusion over venue security
In a contrasting remark, Trump questioned the security of the venue.
“One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing a, obviously, a very good bulletproof vest… it’s not a particularly secure building,” he said.
Chaos inside the ballroom
Eyewitness visuals show guests diving under tables as armed agents moved swiftly to secure the area. Security personnel surrounded the president and escorted him out through a back exit.
Also evacuated was Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.
‘That’s a bad noise’
Recounting the moment shots were fired, Trump said he initially mistook the sound for something else.
“I thought it was a tray being dropped,” he said, adding that the First Lady immediately sensed danger. “I think she knew immediately what happened… ‘That’s a bad noise.'”
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