Shooting Incident at White House Correspondents Dinner: Suspect Identified

A shooting incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner has led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Eyewitnesses reported panic as gunfire was heard, prompting swift action from security personnel. President Trump and First Lady Melania were safely evacuated. The investigation is ongoing, with updates expected from the White House Correspondents’ Association. This incident has raised concerns about security at high-profile events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 08:18 IST

Details of the Shooting Incident

On Saturday, columnist Karol Markowicz from Fox News and the New York Post revealed that the suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner is identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, who is currently in custody. Markowicz shared this information on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Although she provided these details, official confirmation from authorities regarding the shooter's identity is still pending.

The incident occurred near the main security screening area at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held. The US Secret Service reported that the suspect was apprehended following the shooting. In their statement, they mentioned, “The US Secret Service, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The president and first lady are safe along with all protectees. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”

Both President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were unharmed and safely evacuated from the venue, as confirmed by the Secret Service. Eyewitnesses reported hearing what sounded like gunfire shortly after 8:30 PM local time, leading to chaos in the ballroom filled with journalists, politicians, and guests. Video footage captured security personnel swiftly clearing the main stage area while attendees were instructed to take cover, with shouts of “stay down” echoing in the room.

Trump later took to social media to commend the swift actions of the security services, stating: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.” He acknowledged that the evening would unfold “much differently than planned.”

Officials confirmed that cabinet members, including Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and FBI Director Kash Patel, were also evacuated safely from the hotel. As the situation developed, several members of Congress were seen exiting the venue on foot. The White House Correspondents’ Association indicated that more updates would follow as the investigation progresses.