About 2,600 guests panicked, after a series of five to eight loud gunshots were heard in the corridors outside the hall. At this critical moment, Secret Service agents responded instantly. They surrounded Donald and Melania Trump and forced them to take cover behind the stage’s massive podium. As shouts of “Lie down!” echoed through the hall, the presidential couple spent a few tense seconds on the floor. Immediately afterward, security escorted the Trump family through the back exits of the hotel under extreme security measures. Trump later confirmed that he and the first lady were in excellent condition, but the evacuation was required by protocol.
Hundreds of dignitaries, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, took cover under the tables. Waiters and staff ran to the kitchen in an attempt to escape a potential mass shooting. Helicopters appeared over the hotel within minutes, and members of the National Guard blocked all entrances and exits. Initially, there were no reports of injuries among the guests, but the chaos remained in the hall long after the president was removed.
Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. His profile is more than shocking to investigators. Alan is a former Teacher of the Month and worked at a high school in California. He has managed to enter the hotel as a registered guest. This allowed him to import his entire arsenal – a pistol, a rifle, several knives and ammunition.
At a press conference at the White House, Trump described the attacker as a “potential killer” and a “crazy” loner. The president was adamant: “There is no reason to believe that the attack is related to the war in Iran.” However, he strongly criticized the site’s security measures: “This is not a particularly secure building.” According to Trump, Allen breached a security post and shot an agent at point blank range. The policeman’s life was saved only by his bulletproof vest.
The violence in Washington sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum. House Speaker Mike Johnson asked for prayers for the country, and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for an immediate end to the tensions in America.
This is the third assassination attempt against Trump since 2024. Despite the threat, the president announced that he would not give in to fear and the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days.
Suspect Cole Thomas Allen will be arraigned in federal court on Monday, April 27.
Video from the table of RFK Jr. and Stephen Miller at tonight’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Pete Hegseth was spotted walking through the room.
President Trump is safe.
A gunman reportedly breached the Hilton and was killed by the Secret Service.pic.twitter.com/tGbpa5BRUi
— The American Conservative (@amconmag) April 26, 2026
