- By Nidhi Giri
- Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
White House Dinner Scare: United States President Donald Trump shared the picture of the man accused of firing shots during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on April 25. The gunman can be seen pinned on the ground in the image shared on Truth Social.
Attacker Identified
According to Agence France-Presse and Fox News, a man tried to pass through security by approaching the magnetometer (metal detector) area near the main entrance. The shooter at Trump's event was identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, a California teacher. Cole was heavily armed, Trump said addressing a presser. He added that one officer was shot during the incident but he was saved.
.@POTUS: "A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service... One officer was shot, but saved... the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great." pic.twitter.com/ypKrVT8YPU
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
The Secret Service stopped him before he could enter the ballroom. A Fox News reporter, citing sources, reported that the attacker targeted the magnetometer closest to the main door and fired at a Secret Service agent in the ballroom.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Moment Trump, Melania Hide Under Table As Shots Fired At White House Correspondents' Dinner
The Secret Service said in a statement that they are investigating the shooting in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police Department. There has been no official word yet on the suspect's motive. Some reports described the suspect as "neutralised," but Trump's post stated he is in custody.
ANI reporter Reena Bhardwaj, who was attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner said, "A few minutes ago, chaos erupted in the banquet hall of the Hilton Hotel in Washington. The first thing I saw out of the corner of my eye was a loud noise. I thought it was the sound of utensils falling."
ALSO READ: What Really Happened At White House Correspondents' Dinner? A Minute-By-Minute Breakdown Of Events
White House Dinner Scare: Updates So Far
Trump is reportedly safe and uninjured. Witnesses said they heard five to eight gunshots, according to the AP report.
Law enforcement officials confirmed the involvement of the shooter in the incident, but the circumstances of the incident remain unclear. Senior officials were evacuated and tight security was imposed at the venue. Authorities have not yet released full details of the incident.
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