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Accused gunman at correspondents’ dinner was believed to be targeting top officials, Blanche says

Todd Blanche said the suspect’s writings and questioning indicated a plan to target Trump administration officials, and the FBI is reviewing his electronics.

  • On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a gunman attempted to breach the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, forcing President Donald Trump's immediate evacuation. Secret Service agents tackled suspect Cole Tomas Allen near the ballroom as gunfire erupted.
  • Federal authorities identified the 31-year-old suspect as Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, who allegedly traveled by train to Washington, D.C. Writings recovered by officials suggest Allen intended to target administration members, though he is not cooperating with investigators.
  • Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Allen faces imminent federal charges including firearm offenses and assault on a federal officer. Armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, Allen shot one Secret Service officer, who survived due to protective gear.
  • World leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence and praised security's swift response. President Trump vowed the dinner will be rescheduled within 30 days, while officials affirmed layered security measures prevented the gunman from reaching the ballroom.
  • Investigators are analyzing a manifesto and electronic devices to determine Allen's full motive and any broader threat. The incident at the Washington Hilton echoes the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan at the same venue, reigniting security protocol discussions.
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arcamax.com broke the news on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
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