The gunman who opened fire at the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday evening has been identified as Cole Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Donald Trump described him as a “lone and disturbed perpetrator.”
According to authorities, Allen works as a teacher. He was arrested after reportedly entering the Washington Hilton hotel and moving toward the ballroom where approximately 2,500 guests were gathered, including the president and government officials. He told police after his arrest that he wanted to shoot Trump administration officials, CBS News reported today, citing two sources.
The suspected shooter at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident has reportedly been identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California. pic.twitter.com/1jxmJkBfFt
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) April 26, 2026
Timeline of White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting with Trump present – Gunman carried rifle, pistol and multiple knives
The shooting occurred near the main security checkpoint shortly after 8:30 p.m., during dinner service. The perpetrator reportedly fired shots and moved toward the ballroom, wounding a police officer who was wearing a bulletproof vest.
Washington Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll stated that the man was armed with a rifle, pistol, and multiple knives. He also emphasized that all evidence points to a lone gunman with no broader threat to the public.
Following the incident, Trump held a press conference at the White House, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump. The president stated that he initially thought the noise came from a dropped plate rather than gunfire.
Service agents evacuated President Trump from his table at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Cabinet secretaries also left the ballroom, according to witnesses.
Live updates: https://t.co/22omcZ4dn6 pic.twitter.com/fjoWMRHxHL
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) April 26, 2026
Witnesses described scenes of panic inside the ballroom, with guests hiding under tables as seven to eight shots were heard. An eyewitness reported that the gunman appeared to emerge from a makeshift area near the entrance, where there was insufficient security screening.
View from the ground as Trump senior staff and cabinet members evacuated tonight, including Kennedy, Blanche, Stephen and Katie Miller, and Pete Hegseth. pic.twitter.com/p70geTnIF4
— Tony Dokoupil (@tonydokoupil) April 26, 2026
Trump praised security forces for their immediate and brave response, while stating that the perpetrator was arrested and that the event would be rescheduled within 30 days.
Additionally, he announced that a Secret Service agent was wounded by close-range gunfire but will make a full recovery. Authorities are expected to search the suspect’s California residence soon.
The incident has raised serious concerns about security measures at high-profile events, while investigations continue to determine the perpetrator’s exact motives.
