WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 18, 2026, after a man breached a security checkpoint and opened fire near the event venue, according to officials.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California, was taken into custody at the Washington Hilton shortly after the incident.
He is expected to appear in court on Monday, officials said.
Investigators said the suspect left a message indicating an intent to target administration officials.
Incident at the Venue
Gunfire was reported outside the ballroom where the dinner was taking place, prompting security agents to move the president and other senior officials to safety.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect fired one or two shots.
Members of the United States Secret Service responded by drawing their weapons. The suspect was apprehended near a staircase leading to the ballroom.
Authorities said officers fired at the suspect but did not hit him before he was detained.
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President’s Account
In an interview on “60 Minutes” with Norah O’Donnell, Trump described the moment the disturbance began, saying the atmosphere changed during a segment involving entertainer Oz Pearlman.
“Well, what happened is it was a little bit me. I wanted to see what was happening. And I wasn’t making it that easy for him. I wanted to see what was going on,” Trump said.
He added that he “wasn’t worried” as the situation unfolded, saying, “I understand life. We live in a crazy world.”
Trump commended law enforcement for their response. “When you look at it on tape, it’s almost like a blur,” he said.
“But it was amazing because as soon as they saw that, you could see them draw their guns. They were so professional… and then they took him down immediately.”
He also said the first lady, Melania Trump, “handled it great,” describing her as “very strong, smart.”
Dispute Over Media Coverage
During the interview, Trump criticised the media after O’Donnell read an excerpt from writings attributed to the suspect that did not mention the president by name.
“You shouldn’t be reading that on ‘60 Minutes,’ you’re a disgrace,” Trump said. “I’m not a rapist. I didn’t rape anybody. Excuse me, I’m not a pedophile.”
He added, “You read that crap from some sick person I got associated with, stuff that has nothing to do with me. I was totally exonerated.”
Trump also accused sections of the press of political bias, saying they were “almost one and the same” with the Democratic Party and “very liberal.”
Calls for Security Review
The president said the annual dinner should be rescheduled within 30 days with enhanced security measures.
“I hope we’re going to do it again,” he said. “They’ll have even more security, and they’ll have bigger perimeter security.”
Reaction From Former President
Former President Barack Obama called for restraint in a statement posted on social media.
Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy. It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 26, 2026
“It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day,” Obama said. “I’m grateful to them — and thankful that the agent who was shot is going to be okay.”
He added, “reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy.”
Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
