Suspect Pleads Not Guilty After Exchanging Gunfire With Secret Service Agents at White House Correspondents Dinner in April
1919 Connecticut Ave NW
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Summary
- A 31-year-old man from California has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump after running through a security checkpoint and exchanging gunfire with law enforcement at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. in April.
- The gunman, who has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, traveled from California to D.C. via train in the days leading up to the attack, and had checked into the Washington Hilton hotel the day before the event. He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, authorities said.
- Allen has plead not guilty to all charges during his federal arraignment on Monday, May 11th.
- Allen appeared to have been targeting Trump administration officials in the attack, per a note he sent to his family before the incident. In the note, Allen detailed his "expected rules of engagement," and wrote that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest."
- A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot in his bulletproof vest while engaging the gunman. He was released from the hospital on Sunday.
- Allen was not shot during the incident, but suffered minor injuries as he fell and got tackled by law enforcement.
- President Trump, the first lady, Vice President Vance, and members of Trump’s Cabinet who were in attendance were rushed out after the gunfire. All were safe and uninjured.
Timeline
Allen is expected to appear in court for a June 29 hearing, according to NBC News.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April has plead not guilty at his federal arraignment early Monday morning.
Cole Allen will remain in custody leading up to his trial. Allen has not yet entered a plea to the charges and preliminary hearing is set for May 11, according to CBS News.
Officials said that they are still investigating whether the Secret Service agent was hit by Allen's shot, but that it "doesn't legally matter" in this situation.
Allen was not shot, but was tackled and detained by agents. He suffered minor injuries from the fall.
Officials said that Allen ran through the magnetometer at the checkpoint around 8:40 p.m., after which Secret Service agents heard a gunshot. A Secret Service agent had been hit in his bulletproof vest, and he then fired back five times.
The second and third counts are interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Officials confirmed that three charges have been filed against Cole Tomas Allen; the first is the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
The Department of Justice is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to announce federal charges against the gunman.
Prosecutors said that Allen was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and three knives.
Allen also received charges of interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Officials are expected to hold a news briefing soon to give details.
Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in Saturday's attack, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Allen currently faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, per officials. Additional charges are expected to be filed when he is brought before a federal court on Monday.
The suspect had traveled by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, before traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. in the days prior to the attack, officials said. He is believed to have acted alone.
A Secret Service agent was struck in their bulletproof vest by gunfire during the exchange, and subsequently hospitalized. They have since been released.
While running to the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, but was not struck by gunfire. He was then tackled and taken into custody by authorities.
Allen, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the hotel where the dinner was being held around 8:36 p.m. on Saturday.
Allen got a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a mechanical engineer, an independent video game developer, and a teacher before the attack, per reports.
In the note, Allen cited his "expected rules of engagement," and said that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Authorities said they are still investigating whether Allen was directly targeting President Trump.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appears to have been targeting Trump administration officials, per a note he sent to his family prior to the attack.
Early reports have indicated the 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, is from Torrance, CA.
Police believe the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
News reports indicate the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
In a news conference, Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., said a sole gunman rushed Secret Service agents at tonight's correspondents' dinner. A Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving care. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital, where he is being evaluated. The suspect was reportedly armed with multiple firearms and knives.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot at close range while engaging the gunman, but was saved by a bulletproof vest. He is reportedly conscious and in stable condition.
During the press conference, President Trump stated that a man charged a security point with multiple weapons, but was taken down by the U.S. Secret Service.
President Trump's press conference is said to start any minute.
Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Sources say a U.S. Secret Service agent was shot while engaging the gunman earlier this evening. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and they were taken to a local hospital. The agent’s condition is not yet known.
The dinner will reportedly be rescheduled.
President Trump will reportedly hold a press conference in 30 minutes.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the “main magnetometer screening area” and that a person is in custody.
In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump said that law enforcement has requested he leave the premises, so he will not be returning to the dinner program.
The shooter has been “apprehended,” according to a post by President Trump on Truth Social.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer says he was just feet away from the shooter.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will be returning to the dinner.
President Trump is reportedly returning to the dinner.
Additional reports say the shooter is dead.
Unconfirmed reports say a person believed to be the shooter is in custody.
The program of the dinner is reportedly set to resume shortly, according to a source at the event.
The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also been evacuated.
There is reportedly a large police presence outside the hotel.
Attendees of the event are now being evacuated.
People can be heard yelling "stay down" in audio from the event.
Unconfirmed reports say shots were fired at the hotel.
Protesters reportedly breached the lobby of the hotel.
The guests are reportedly still in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, but President Trump and the First Lady have been evacuated.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, has reportedly been evacuated.
Incident reported at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW.
Allen is expected to appear in court for a June 29 hearing, according to NBC News.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April has plead not guilty at his federal arraignment early Monday morning.
Cole Allen will remain in custody leading up to his trial. Allen has not yet entered a plea to the charges and preliminary hearing is set for May 11, according to CBS News.
Officials said that they are still investigating whether the Secret Service agent was hit by Allen's shot, but that it "doesn't legally matter" in this situation.
Allen was not shot, but was tackled and detained by agents. He suffered minor injuries from the fall.
Officials said that Allen ran through the magnetometer at the checkpoint around 8:40 p.m., after which Secret Service agents heard a gunshot. A Secret Service agent had been hit in his bulletproof vest, and he then fired back five times.
The second and third counts are interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Officials confirmed that three charges have been filed against Cole Tomas Allen; the first is the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
The Department of Justice is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to announce federal charges against the gunman.
Prosecutors said that Allen was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and three knives.
Allen also received charges of interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Officials are expected to hold a news briefing soon to give details.
Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in Saturday's attack, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Allen currently faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, per officials. Additional charges are expected to be filed when he is brought before a federal court on Monday.
The suspect had traveled by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, before traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. in the days prior to the attack, officials said. He is believed to have acted alone.
A Secret Service agent was struck in their bulletproof vest by gunfire during the exchange, and subsequently hospitalized. They have since been released.
While running to the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, but was not struck by gunfire. He was then tackled and taken into custody by authorities.
Allen, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the hotel where the dinner was being held around 8:36 p.m. on Saturday.
Allen got a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a mechanical engineer, an independent video game developer, and a teacher before the attack, per reports.
In the note, Allen cited his "expected rules of engagement," and said that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Authorities said they are still investigating whether Allen was directly targeting President Trump.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appears to have been targeting Trump administration officials, per a note he sent to his family prior to the attack.
Early reports have indicated the 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, is from Torrance, CA.
Police believe the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
News reports indicate the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
In a news conference, Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., said a sole gunman rushed Secret Service agents at tonight's correspondents' dinner. A Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving care. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital, where he is being evaluated. The suspect was reportedly armed with multiple firearms and knives.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot at close range while engaging the gunman, but was saved by a bulletproof vest. He is reportedly conscious and in stable condition.
During the press conference, President Trump stated that a man charged a security point with multiple weapons, but was taken down by the U.S. Secret Service.
President Trump's press conference is said to start any minute.
Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Sources say a U.S. Secret Service agent was shot while engaging the gunman earlier this evening. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and they were taken to a local hospital. The agent’s condition is not yet known.
The dinner will reportedly be rescheduled.
President Trump will reportedly hold a press conference in 30 minutes.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the “main magnetometer screening area” and that a person is in custody.
In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump said that law enforcement has requested he leave the premises, so he will not be returning to the dinner program.
The shooter has been “apprehended,” according to a post by President Trump on Truth Social.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer says he was just feet away from the shooter.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will be returning to the dinner.
President Trump is reportedly returning to the dinner.
Additional reports say the shooter is dead.
Unconfirmed reports say a person believed to be the shooter is in custody.
The program of the dinner is reportedly set to resume shortly, according to a source at the event.
The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also been evacuated.
There is reportedly a large police presence outside the hotel.
Attendees of the event are now being evacuated.
People can be heard yelling "stay down" in audio from the event.
Unconfirmed reports say shots were fired at the hotel.
Protesters reportedly breached the lobby of the hotel.
The guests are reportedly still in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, but President Trump and the First Lady have been evacuated.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, has reportedly been evacuated.
Incident reported at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW.
Allen is expected to appear in court for a June 29 hearing, according to NBC News.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April has plead not guilty at his federal arraignment early Monday morning.
Cole Allen will remain in custody leading up to his trial. Allen has not yet entered a plea to the charges and preliminary hearing is set for May 11, according to CBS News.
Officials said that they are still investigating whether the Secret Service agent was hit by Allen's shot, but that it "doesn't legally matter" in this situation.
Allen was not shot, but was tackled and detained by agents. He suffered minor injuries from the fall.
Officials said that Allen ran through the magnetometer at the checkpoint around 8:40 p.m., after which Secret Service agents heard a gunshot. A Secret Service agent had been hit in his bulletproof vest, and he then fired back five times.
The second and third counts are interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Officials confirmed that three charges have been filed against Cole Tomas Allen; the first is the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
The Department of Justice is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to announce federal charges against the gunman.
Prosecutors said that Allen was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and three knives.
Allen also received charges of interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Officials are expected to hold a news briefing soon to give details.
Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in Saturday's attack, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Allen currently faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, per officials. Additional charges are expected to be filed when he is brought before a federal court on Monday.
The suspect had traveled by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, before traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. in the days prior to the attack, officials said. He is believed to have acted alone.
A Secret Service agent was struck in their bulletproof vest by gunfire during the exchange, and subsequently hospitalized. They have since been released.
While running to the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, but was not struck by gunfire. He was then tackled and taken into custody by authorities.
Allen, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the hotel where the dinner was being held around 8:36 p.m. on Saturday.
Allen got a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a mechanical engineer, an independent video game developer, and a teacher before the attack, per reports.
In the note, Allen cited his "expected rules of engagement," and said that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Authorities said they are still investigating whether Allen was directly targeting President Trump.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appears to have been targeting Trump administration officials, per a note he sent to his family prior to the attack.
Early reports have indicated the 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, is from Torrance, CA.
Police believe the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
News reports indicate the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
In a news conference, Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., said a sole gunman rushed Secret Service agents at tonight's correspondents' dinner. A Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving care. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital, where he is being evaluated. The suspect was reportedly armed with multiple firearms and knives.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot at close range while engaging the gunman, but was saved by a bulletproof vest. He is reportedly conscious and in stable condition.
During the press conference, President Trump stated that a man charged a security point with multiple weapons, but was taken down by the U.S. Secret Service.
President Trump's press conference is said to start any minute.
Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Sources say a U.S. Secret Service agent was shot while engaging the gunman earlier this evening. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and they were taken to a local hospital. The agent’s condition is not yet known.
The dinner will reportedly be rescheduled.
President Trump will reportedly hold a press conference in 30 minutes.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the “main magnetometer screening area” and that a person is in custody.
In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump said that law enforcement has requested he leave the premises, so he will not be returning to the dinner program.
The shooter has been “apprehended,” according to a post by President Trump on Truth Social.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer says he was just feet away from the shooter.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will be returning to the dinner.
President Trump is reportedly returning to the dinner.
Additional reports say the shooter is dead.
Unconfirmed reports say a person believed to be the shooter is in custody.
The program of the dinner is reportedly set to resume shortly, according to a source at the event.
The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also been evacuated.
There is reportedly a large police presence outside the hotel.
Attendees of the event are now being evacuated.
People can be heard yelling "stay down" in audio from the event.
Unconfirmed reports say shots were fired at the hotel.
Protesters reportedly breached the lobby of the hotel.
The guests are reportedly still in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, but President Trump and the First Lady have been evacuated.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, has reportedly been evacuated.
Incident reported at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW.
Allen is expected to appear in court for a June 29 hearing, according to NBC News.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April has plead not guilty at his federal arraignment early Monday morning.
Cole Allen will remain in custody leading up to his trial. Allen has not yet entered a plea to the charges and preliminary hearing is set for May 11, according to CBS News.
Officials said that they are still investigating whether the Secret Service agent was hit by Allen's shot, but that it "doesn't legally matter" in this situation.
Allen was not shot, but was tackled and detained by agents. He suffered minor injuries from the fall.
Officials said that Allen ran through the magnetometer at the checkpoint around 8:40 p.m., after which Secret Service agents heard a gunshot. A Secret Service agent had been hit in his bulletproof vest, and he then fired back five times.
The second and third counts are interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Officials confirmed that three charges have been filed against Cole Tomas Allen; the first is the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
The Department of Justice is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to announce federal charges against the gunman.
Prosecutors said that Allen was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and three knives.
Allen also received charges of interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Officials are expected to hold a news briefing soon to give details.
Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in Saturday's attack, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Allen currently faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, per officials. Additional charges are expected to be filed when he is brought before a federal court on Monday.
The suspect had traveled by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, before traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. in the days prior to the attack, officials said. He is believed to have acted alone.
A Secret Service agent was struck in their bulletproof vest by gunfire during the exchange, and subsequently hospitalized. They have since been released.
While running to the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, but was not struck by gunfire. He was then tackled and taken into custody by authorities.
Allen, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the hotel where the dinner was being held around 8:36 p.m. on Saturday.
Allen got a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a mechanical engineer, an independent video game developer, and a teacher before the attack, per reports.
In the note, Allen cited his "expected rules of engagement," and said that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Authorities said they are still investigating whether Allen was directly targeting President Trump.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appears to have been targeting Trump administration officials, per a note he sent to his family prior to the attack.
Early reports have indicated the 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, is from Torrance, CA.
Police believe the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
News reports indicate the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
In a news conference, Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., said a sole gunman rushed Secret Service agents at tonight's correspondents' dinner. A Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving care. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital, where he is being evaluated. The suspect was reportedly armed with multiple firearms and knives.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot at close range while engaging the gunman, but was saved by a bulletproof vest. He is reportedly conscious and in stable condition.
During the press conference, President Trump stated that a man charged a security point with multiple weapons, but was taken down by the U.S. Secret Service.
President Trump's press conference is said to start any minute.
Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Sources say a U.S. Secret Service agent was shot while engaging the gunman earlier this evening. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and they were taken to a local hospital. The agent’s condition is not yet known.
The dinner will reportedly be rescheduled.
President Trump will reportedly hold a press conference in 30 minutes.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the “main magnetometer screening area” and that a person is in custody.
In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump said that law enforcement has requested he leave the premises, so he will not be returning to the dinner program.
The shooter has been “apprehended,” according to a post by President Trump on Truth Social.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer says he was just feet away from the shooter.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will be returning to the dinner.
President Trump is reportedly returning to the dinner.
Additional reports say the shooter is dead.
Unconfirmed reports say a person believed to be the shooter is in custody.
The program of the dinner is reportedly set to resume shortly, according to a source at the event.
The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also been evacuated.
There is reportedly a large police presence outside the hotel.
Attendees of the event are now being evacuated.
People can be heard yelling "stay down" in audio from the event.
Unconfirmed reports say shots were fired at the hotel.
Protesters reportedly breached the lobby of the hotel.
The guests are reportedly still in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, but President Trump and the First Lady have been evacuated.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, has reportedly been evacuated.
Incident reported at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW.
Allen is expected to appear in court for a June 29 hearing, according to NBC News.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, charged with the attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner in April has plead not guilty at his federal arraignment early Monday morning.
Cole Allen will remain in custody leading up to his trial. Allen has not yet entered a plea to the charges and preliminary hearing is set for May 11, according to CBS News.
Officials said that they are still investigating whether the Secret Service agent was hit by Allen's shot, but that it "doesn't legally matter" in this situation.
Allen was not shot, but was tackled and detained by agents. He suffered minor injuries from the fall.
Officials said that Allen ran through the magnetometer at the checkpoint around 8:40 p.m., after which Secret Service agents heard a gunshot. A Secret Service agent had been hit in his bulletproof vest, and he then fired back five times.
The second and third counts are interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Officials confirmed that three charges have been filed against Cole Tomas Allen; the first is the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, which is punishable by up to life in prison.
The Department of Justice is holding a press conference at 3 p.m. to announce federal charges against the gunman.
Prosecutors said that Allen was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber handgun, and three knives.
Allen also received charges of interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Officials are expected to hold a news briefing soon to give details.
Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in Saturday's attack, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Allen currently faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, per officials. Additional charges are expected to be filed when he is brought before a federal court on Monday.
The suspect had traveled by train from Los Angeles, CA, to Chicago, IL, before traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. in the days prior to the attack, officials said. He is believed to have acted alone.
A Secret Service agent was struck in their bulletproof vest by gunfire during the exchange, and subsequently hospitalized. They have since been released.
While running to the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, but was not struck by gunfire. He was then tackled and taken into custody by authorities.
Allen, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the hotel where the dinner was being held around 8:36 p.m. on Saturday.
Allen got a master's degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025. He worked as a mechanical engineer, an independent video game developer, and a teacher before the attack, per reports.
In the note, Allen cited his "expected rules of engagement," and said that administration officials were "targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Authorities said they are still investigating whether Allen was directly targeting President Trump.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appears to have been targeting Trump administration officials, per a note he sent to his family prior to the attack.
Early reports have indicated the 31-year-old man, Cole Allen, is from Torrance, CA.
Police believe the suspect was a guest at the Washington Hilton Hotel where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
The suspect is being charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second crime of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
News reports indicate the suspect was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
In a news conference, Muriel Bowser, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., said a sole gunman rushed Secret Service agents at tonight's correspondents' dinner. A Secret Service agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is receiving care. The suspect was also transported to a local hospital, where he is being evaluated. The suspect was reportedly armed with multiple firearms and knives.
A U.S. Secret Service agent was shot at close range while engaging the gunman, but was saved by a bulletproof vest. He is reportedly conscious and in stable condition.
During the press conference, President Trump stated that a man charged a security point with multiple weapons, but was taken down by the U.S. Secret Service.
President Trump's press conference is said to start any minute.
Authorities have reportedly identified the suspected gunman as a 30-year-old man from California.
Sources say a U.S. Secret Service agent was shot while engaging the gunman earlier this evening. The bullet struck the agent’s protective gear, and they were taken to a local hospital. The agent’s condition is not yet known.
The dinner will reportedly be rescheduled.
President Trump will reportedly hold a press conference in 30 minutes.
The U.S. Secret Service confirmed the incident occurred at the “main magnetometer screening area” and that a person is in custody.
In a new post on Truth Social, President Trump said that law enforcement has requested he leave the premises, so he will not be returning to the dinner program.
The shooter has been “apprehended,” according to a post by President Trump on Truth Social.
CNN's Wolf Blitzer says he was just feet away from the shooter.
The White House confirmed that President Trump will be returning to the dinner.
President Trump is reportedly returning to the dinner.
Additional reports say the shooter is dead.
Unconfirmed reports say a person believed to be the shooter is in custody.
The program of the dinner is reportedly set to resume shortly, according to a source at the event.
The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also been evacuated.
There is reportedly a large police presence outside the hotel.
Attendees of the event are now being evacuated.
People can be heard yelling "stay down" in audio from the event.
Unconfirmed reports say shots were fired at the hotel.
Protesters reportedly breached the lobby of the hotel.
The guests are reportedly still in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton hotel, but President Trump and the First Lady have been evacuated.
The White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, has reportedly been evacuated.
Incident reported at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW.
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Gotta b a record for a US president
@sandimasUser1626215003 that’s bc it’s staged
Citizen app comments never disappoint 😭😭
@whitneygibbons05 Poor mods fighting for their lives and getting carpal tunnel 🤣🙌🏼
Lmao “comment removed” “comment removed” “comment removed”
@doefreezer that’s all I see when I scroll 😭
Man. I sure do wish I could read the comments……
@trashrogue right
Gotta b a record for a US president
@sandimasUser1626215003 that’s bc it’s staged
Citizen app comments never disappoint 😭😭
@whitneygibbons05 Poor mods fighting for their lives and getting carpal tunnel 🤣🙌🏼
Lmao “comment removed” “comment removed” “comment removed”
@doefreezer that’s all I see when I scroll 😭
Man. I sure do wish I could read the comments……
@trashrogue right
Gotta b a record for a US president
@sandimasUser1626215003 that’s bc it’s staged
Citizen app comments never disappoint 😭😭
@whitneygibbons05 Poor mods fighting for their lives and getting carpal tunnel 🤣🙌🏼
Lmao “comment removed” “comment removed” “comment removed”
@doefreezer that’s all I see when I scroll 😭
Man. I sure do wish I could read the comments……
@trashrogue right
Gotta b a record for a US president
@sandimasUser1626215003 that’s bc it’s staged
Citizen app comments never disappoint 😭😭
@whitneygibbons05 Poor mods fighting for their lives and getting carpal tunnel 🤣🙌🏼
Lmao “comment removed” “comment removed” “comment removed”
@doefreezer that’s all I see when I scroll 😭
Man. I sure do wish I could read the comments……
@trashrogue right
Stay informed on local incidents
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Gotta b a record for a US president
@sandimasUser1626215003 that’s bc it’s staged
Citizen app comments never disappoint 😭😭
@whitneygibbons05 Poor mods fighting for their lives and getting carpal tunnel 🤣🙌🏼
Lmao “comment removed” “comment removed” “comment removed”
@doefreezer that’s all I see when I scroll 😭
Man. I sure do wish I could read the comments……
@trashrogue right