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Published 13:21 26 Apr 2026 GMT
WH Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect 'reveals who he was actually targeting' when shots were fired at event attended by Trump
The man accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has revealed who his intended target was, according to new details.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, broke through security and entered the official event, where Trump’s administration were engaged in their annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Armed with guns and knives, the teacher from California was apprehended by Secret Service officials after initial gunfire.
Who was the alleged shooter targeting?
After being detained by police, Allen allegedly told police he intended to target “administration officials” gathered inside the Washington Hilton, sources told CBS News. However, he did not clarify whether he had a specific individual in mind or if Donald Trump himself was the planned target.
Matthew Quinn said the suspect appeared to be attempting to create a “national tragedy” during one of Washington’s most high-profile evenings.
In a statement, he added: “[Allen] underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact. The strength of our layered security posture was evident, with a myriad of countermeasures ahead.”
Authorities say Allen allegedly rushed a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives before being subdued. The shooting began shortly after 8:30 p.m., around 20 minutes after Trump and Melania Trump had entered the venue.
So far, officials have not confirmed a motive behind the attack.
Speaking later, Trump dismissed suggestions the incident was linked to international tensions, saying: “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran. I don’t know if that had anything to do with it. I really don’t think so, based on what we know.”
During the exchange of gunfire, a Secret Service agent was hit in the vest and taken to hospital. Trump later said the agent was in “great spirits.”
Allen has been charged with using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer, according to Jeanine Pirro.
How did the shooting suspect gain access to the event?
Investigators say the suspect attempted to push toward the ballroom, where roughly 2,500 guests, including the president, JD Vance, cabinet members, and journalists, were gathered. Secret Service agents quickly moved Trump and the first lady to safety as attendees took cover.
Officials believe Allen may have gained access to the hotel by booking a room and bringing weapons inside. A witness told The Post they saw him assembling a firearm “in [an] unsecured room” before running toward the event.
Weapons recovered at the scene included a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Reports also suggest Allen travelled from California to Washington, D.C., via Chicago.
Trump later described the suspect as a “sick” individual. He was apprehended in the hotel lobby and transported away by ambulance.
The White House has since indicated the dinner will be rescheduled within the next 30 days, and there will undoubtedly be an even larger security presence.