He noted that one officer sustained a gunshot wound but was protected by a bulletproof vest. “He was shot from a very close distance using a powerful gun, and the vest performed its function,” Trump remarked.
He also commented on the Washington hotel hosting the dinner, indicating that the facility was “not particularly secure.”
“We evaluated all the conditions that occurred tonight, and I must say, it’s not a particularly secure building,” Trump said regarding the Washington Hilton hotel, which has been the site of significant political events since its inception in 1965.
Who was the suspect?
The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, according to multiple law enforcement officials referenced by The Associated Press.
“In my view, he was a lone wolf,” Trump stated, labeling the individual a “whack job” and expressing his belief that the attack was unrelated to the conflict in Iran.
The DC police chief announced that the shooting suspect will face arraignment on Monday, April 27, on firearms and assault charges.
What happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
The shooting incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a notable gathering of journalists, political leaders, and public figures.
This event caused panic at the Washington Hilton, with gunfire occurring near the venue, necessitating the evacuation of Trump and other senior officials before the situation was contained.
Witnesses described loud noises from inside the banquet hall, leading to widespread panic among guests, many of whom took cover beneath tables as security teams responded. The Secret Service and other agencies promptly secured the area.
Reports indicated that gunshots were fired during the event, prompting a robust police response at the Washington Hilton, with tactical teams positioned inside the venue. The suspected shooter was taken into custody, according to reports from the pool as cited by AFP.
No immediate injuries were reported.
Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2026
With inputs from Reuters, AP, and AFP.
First Published: Apr 26, 2026 7:29 AM IST
