Gunman charged over attempted attack at WHCA dinner

Apr 28, 2026, 08:38 am

		0
U.S. President Donald Trump is escorted to safety by Secret Service agents after gunshots were reported during the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., on April 25. /Reuters-Yonhap

A 31-year-old suspect has been charged with attempted assassination after trying to carry out a shooting at a high-profile dinner attended by Donald Trump, raising concerns over security lapses at one of Washington’s most tightly guarded events.

According to U.S. prosecutors, Cole Thomas Allen was indicted on April 27 on multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a president, interstate transportation of firearms, and discharging a weapon during a violent crime. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum of 10 years for firearm-related charges.

Authorities said Allen attempted to enter the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25 while armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a semi-automatic handgun, and three knives.

He managed to penetrate a restricted security zone but was stopped before reaching the main banquet hall, where hundreds of attendees — including Trump — were present. The incident prompted an immediate evacuation of key officials, with guests taking cover under tables.

		0
A suspect lies restrained on the hotel floor after being subdued by Secret Service agents while attempting to enter the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner at a hotel in Washington, D.C., on April 25, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump. /Trump Truth Social

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said law enforcement ultimately prevented a tragedy. “Law enforcement did not fail,” he stated, noting that the suspect was still separated from the president by multiple layers of security.

Investigators revealed that Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., checking into the hotel where the event was held.

He had legally purchased weapons in 2023 and 2025 in California. Authorities also said he sent a manifesto to family members shortly before the incident, indicating he intended to minimize casualties by using buckshot rather than more lethal ammunition — evidence prosecutors cited as proof of premeditation.

The case has reignited debate over rail security in the United States, as firearms are not required to be declared when traveling by train.

		0
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (center), FBI Director Kash Patel (right), and U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro hold a press conference at the Justice Department on April 27. /AFP-Yonhap

Allen, described as an independent voter, had no prior criminal record. Public records show his only political donation was $25 to the 2024 presidential campaign of Kamala Harris.

He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the California Institute of Technology and pursued graduate studies in computer engineering. He also previously interned at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Trump described the suspect as “a very sick person,” adding that he harbored long-standing hatred and anti-Christian sentiment.

The White House has launched a comprehensive review of security protocols in coordination with the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security. Some officials reportedly criticized the event’s security as “a little lax.”

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed the incident on what she called a “left-wing cult of hatred,” urging Congress to approve additional funding for homeland security.

The shooting attempt follows a string of politically motivated violence in recent years, further intensifying concerns about rising extremism in the United States.

#Donald Trump #White House Correspondents’ Dinner #shooting attempt #assassination attempt #Secret Service