Washington, DC – 26 April, 2026 – President of the United States Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner on Saturday night after gunshots rang out at the Washington Hilton.

The incident happened at around 8:35 p.m. local time, as guests were still gathering inside the ballroom, when a suspect reportedly carrying a shotgun, handgun and knives rushed toward a security checkpoint near the main screening area. Authorities say he fired between five and eight shots before Secret Service agents and local law enforcement officers tackled him and took him into custody.

Video footage from inside the ballroom showed attendees ducking under tables as armed Secret Service agents rushed to the stage, shouting “Stay down!” and “Get down!” President Trump, who was on stage at the time along with Vice President JD Vance and several Cabinet members, was quickly hustled to safety. All protectees, including the President, First Lady, and Cabinet officials, were reported uninjured.

One Secret Service agent was reportedly shot but saved by his bulletproof vest and is said to be in good condition. No other injuries have been confirmed at this time.

Who Attacked Trump Today?
The suspect, identified in several US media reports as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, is in custody. Allen is said to be from Torrance, California, located in the south-western suburbs of Los Angeles. Reports also claim he previously worked as a tutor after graduating from the respected California Institute of Technology.

According to preliminary information, investigators are examining whether he intended to target Trump administration officials. The Secret Service, FBI and Metropolitan Police Department continue to investigate the motive and full circumstances of the case.

President Trump later addressed reporters from the White House, praising the speed of the response and saying he first thought the loud sounds were trays falling. The dinner was halted and is expected to be rescheduled.

The incident adds to a growing list of security scares involving President Trump, including past assassination attempts during his campaign period. Authorities are still investigating the motive and the full circumstances surrounding what happened.