Washington: Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police are searching a property in Torrance after gunshots were reported during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The incident took place at approximately 20:35 ET (00:35 GMT, 01:35 BST). US President Donald Trump was immediately rushed to safety, while the United States Secret Service subdued the suspect.
Trump stated that a Secret Service officer was shot at very close range during the incident, but survived as a result of wearing a bulletproof vest.
"A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service." – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/N3UTveVNFM
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2026
US media identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. Allen is expected to be formally charged in court on April 27. Authorities stated that Allen told investigators he had been targeting officials associated with Trump.
Jeffery W Carroll, the police chief of Washington DC, noted that Tomas Allen was staying at the hotel where the event was being held and confirmed that his room had been secured as part of the ongoing investigation.
When asked about potential security adjustments for related events across the capital following the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Carroll stated that there is no indication of any broader threat.
However, the Chief noted that additional officers have been deployed as a precaution, particularly around post-event gatherings such as after-parties. The incident marks the third shooting or attempted shooting involving Trump in recent years, highlighting what appears to be an emerging pattern.
Despite the security scare, Trump emphasised that the event organised by the White House Correspondents’ Association will proceed within 30 days, adding that the incident will not disrupt planned official engagements.
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