Cole Allen identified as suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting
Allen has been charged with two violent crimes, and more charges are expected
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The man accused of opening fire at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner has been identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
During a press conference late Saturday night, authorities said that Allen rushed a Secret Service checkpoint armed with multiple weapons during the event.
A suspect lies face down on the floor as law enforcement officers detain him following a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026. (@realDonaldTrump via Truth Social)
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told reporters at the press conference that Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Pirro said that more charges are expected.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Allen was not struck by gunfire, Secret Service said, but was apprehended and taken to a local hospital, too.
President Donald Trump was whisked away from the venue by Secret Service along with First Lady Melania Trump and other high-level cabinet officials. A Secret Service officer was struck by a bullet in his ballistic vest, and was taken to a local hospital.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.