An armed man was stopped by Secret Service agents at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026, after breaching security and injuring one officer.

The incident occurred approximately 20 minutes after President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the Washington Hilton. Cole Allen, a 31-year-old teacher and Caltech graduate from Torrance, California, rushed a security checkpoint while armed with a shotgun and multiple knives.

What Happened

Allen was moving toward the main ballroom when Secret Service agents confronted him in the hotel lobby. The suspect fired at close range, striking one Secret Service agent before being subdued by law enforcement.

The agent was wearing a bulletproof vest, which prevented fatal injury. He was transported to a local hospital and is in stable condition, according to officials.

Interim DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll confirmed that Allen appeared to be a “lone actor” and was believed to be a hotel guest. “There is no ongoing threat to the general public following his capture,” Carroll said.

The Immediate Response

Secret Service immediately evacuated President Trump, the First Lady, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and top lawmakers from the ballroom. The evacuation occurred without additional casualties.

President Trump praised the injured agent’s resilience and commended law enforcement for their response. “The agent’s bulletproof vest saved his life,” Trump said, calling the officer’s actions heroic.

Event Cancellation and Aftermath

Organizers initially attempted to continue the annual gathering but announced the formal cancellation by 9:45 p.m. Trump stated he had pushed to address the press but agreed to reschedule the dinner within 30 days.

Federal investigators are searching Allen’s California residence to determine his motive. The incident has renewed discussions about security protocols for high-profile political events in Washington.