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Gunman Shoots Secret Service Agent at White House Dinner

Published 27 April 2026

A gunman armed with firearms and knives breached security at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday night, firing shots that struck a Secret Service agent before being subdued, authorities said. The incident occurred outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and senior administration officials were attending the annual event hosted by the White House Correspondents Association. No senior officials were injured, and the agent, protected by a bulletproof vest, is recovering.

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California, was identified as the suspect and arrested at the scene. Officials said Allen charged past security barricades and opened fire, prompting agents to evacuate Trump and others from the venue. Video footage showed agents tackling and apprehending him after he fired at least one shot from close range. Allen faces federal charges, including assault on a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He is scheduled for arraignment on April 27.

Investigators believe Allen traveled by train from California through...

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