UPDATE 12:03 a.m.: The Dallas Express published a follow-up examining security questions raised by attendees after the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner screening area.
UPDATE 10:06 p.m.: President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing the detained suspect, whom law enforcement officials identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, according to the Associated Press. Authorities said Allen had multiple weapons and was taken into FBI custody.
A public C2 Education post from December 2024 identified a Cole Allen from C2 Education of Torrance as its December Teacher of the Month.
UPDATE 9:53 p.m.: Asked by Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy why this keeps happening, President Donald Trump said he has studied assassinations and that the leaders who face violence are often the ones who are most effective.
UPDATE 9:47 p.m.: Law enforcement had not publicly identified the suspect as of publication. Social media posts circulated an alleged name and image, but The Dallas Express is withholding the identity pending confirmation from law enforcement or a verified public record.
UPDATE 9:34 p.m.: President Donald Trump began speaking from the White House press room after law enforcement requested that officials and attendees leave the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue.
UPDATE 9:02 p.m.: A Secret Service agent was shot during the security breach near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner screening area and is expected to survive after the round struck the agent’s protective vest. One suspect is in custody.
UPDATE 8:42 p.m.: President Donald Trump said law enforcement requested that officials leave the premises “consistent with protocol” and that he would make a statement from the White House in about 30 minutes.
“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days.”
UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: Fox News host Sean Hannity said top White House officials told him the shooter charged a magnetometer near the front door and fired at a Secret Service member near the ballroom. Officials had not immediately released a formal statement confirming those details.
UPDATE 8:28 p.m.: President Donald Trump said the shooter had been apprehended and praised Secret Service and law enforcement for their response.
“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. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Several sharp pops rang out inside the ballroom Saturday night, prompting Secret Service agents to draw their weapons and rush President Donald Trump from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Officials had not immediately confirmed whether the sounds came from gunfire.
🚨 BREAKING: TRUMP EVACUATED AFTER REPORTS OF SHOTS FIRED — at WH Correspondents dinner
PRAY FOR TRUMP AND VANCE 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/NKpD9G8Os4
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
Vice President JD Vance and members of Trump’s Cabinet were also rushed out of the event, CNN reported.
A source told CNN that Trump is safe. An administration official also told the outlet that Cabinet members are OK.
Agents drew their guns after the loud bangs rang out inside the Washington Hilton.
The Associated Press reported that Trump and other top U.S. officials were evacuated after an unspecified security threat. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Reuters reported that attendees took cover after a loud noise and that video from the scene showed Secret Service agents removing Trump from the event.
No injuries had been reported at the time of publication.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
