Armed Suspect Charged at White House Correspondents' Dinner Attended by Trump, Secret Service Officer Shot

Gate News message, April 26 — An armed suspect carrying multiple weapons attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by Donald Trump on Saturday night. One Secret Service officer was shot but protected by his bulletproof vest and transported to hospital. Trump was rapidly evacuated by Secret Service agents.

The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was reported to be carrying a shotgun and handgun. He was believed to be a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the event took place. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that Allen faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges to follow.

Trump addressed the media after the shooting, describing the suspect as “a lone wolf whack job” and commending the Secret Service for their swift response. He stated: “To see a man charge a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of secret service, and they acted very quickly.” Trump added that the event would be rearranged within 30 days. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated she had “no reason” to suspect anyone else was involved.

The Washington Hilton was also the site of a 1981 assassination attempt on then-President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr., which led to significantly increased security measures at the venue.