The BRICS TimesA gunman opened fire near the ballroom of the Washington Hilton during the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner prompting Secret Service agents to swiftly evacuate President Donald Trump. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, was taken into custody.
Chaos erupts at Washington Hilton as shots ring out during Correspondents’ Dinner
It was supposed to be a glamorous evening of press, politics, and pageantry. But the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner turned into a scene of absolute pandemonium on Saturday night when a gunman charged a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel and opened fire. President Donald Trump was immediately swept off the stage and evacuated by agents. First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several Cabinet members were also rushed out without injury.
Here’s a video from the White House as Trump is being evacuated by the United States Secret Service:
The suspect later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He charged through a security screening area in the hotel lobby and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. Agents tackled and subdued him. One Secret Service agent was struck by a round but his bulletproof vest absorbed the hit, and he is expected to recover fully.
Here’s a scary video that shows President Donald Trump taking cover on stage as soon as shots were fired at the White House.
Secret Service takes charge as guests dive under tables
Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted from festive to frantic within seconds. Attendees heard what sounded like three to four successive shots some initially mistaking the sounds for a fallen tray. Guests dove under tables and pressed against chairs as heavily armed Secret Service agents swarmed down the main aisle. Reporters, dignitaries, and celebrities found themselves crouching on the floor as agents shouted commands.
Here’s another video that shows Washington DC police rushing into the White House after shots were fired.
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, who was near the incident at the time, described being just feet away from the gunman as he opened fire. “All of a sudden a guy with a weapon it was a very, very serious weapon starts shooting,” Blitzer said. CBS reporter Olivia Rinaldi noted the moment reminded her of the 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania, assassination attempt on Trump. “We could also smell the gunpowder,” she added.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro was among those escorted out. She confirmed the Secret Service took full control of the building. “I have been taken out of the ballroom after the sound of the shots fired,” Pirro said. “The Secret Service is now in charge of this building, this hotel.” She added that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Jeffery Carroll were both en route.
Trump speaks from the White House after dramatic evacuation
Shortly after returning to the White House, Trump held a press conference where he addressed the nation in a measured but firm tone. He described the gunman as a “lone wolf” who was “taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service.” He said the officer who was shot was protected by his vest adding simply, “The vest did the job.”
On Truth Social, Trump posted ahead of the press conference: “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.”
In a follow-up post, he wrote: “Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Dinner to be rescheduled; world leaders react
Despite the terrifying scenes, the White House Correspondents’ Association indicated the event would be rescheduled. “We will do this again,” said Weijia Jiang, president of the association who had been seated next to Trump when the incident broke out. Shortly after, staff began clearing the room and breaking down table settings.
World leaders quickly weighed in. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed relief that Trump and Melania were safe. “Violence should never be the way,” she wrote on X. Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez echoed the sentiment calling the incident “a strongly condemned attempted attack.”
Back in Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured the public. “There does not appear to be any sort of danger to the public at this time,” she said. The suspect is believed to have acted alone and will face two charges, according to US Attorney Pirro.
