President Donald Trump on Saturday shared surveillance video on social media showing the moment a heavily armed suspect breached a Secret Service security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner held at the Washington Hilton.
The incident occurred around 8:36 p.m. on April 25, 2026, when the suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, charged through metal detectors in the hotel lobby area outside the main ballroom. According to law enforcement, Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
CCTV footage posted by President Trump captures the suspect sprinting past security barricades as Secret Service agents and other law enforcement officers immediately react, drawing their weapons and pursuing him. Gunfire was exchanged during the confrontation. One Secret Service officer was struck in his bulletproof vest but is reported to be in good condition and good spirits. The suspect was not shot and was taken into custody. He has been transported to a hospital for evaluation.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were safely evacuated from the event along with other senior officials and attendees. No other injuries were reported among guests. Trump later addressed the nation from the White House, praising the rapid response of law enforcement and describing the suspect as a “sick person” and “lone wolf.” He emphasized that the quick action prevented a potential tragedy and ordered the release of the footage for transparency.
Metropolitan Police Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll confirmed the suspect acted as a “lone gunman” and stated that officers acted swiftly to neutralize the threat. Investigations into the suspect’s motives and background are ongoing.
In a statement, President Trump said: “Our incredible law enforcement and Secret Service did a phenomenal job tonight. Everyone owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude. This was a sick individual who tried to do harm, but our professionals stopped him cold.”
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual high-profile event attended by journalists, politicians, celebrities, and government leaders. Authorities continue to investigate the incident. The suspect remains in custody.