By THE ALASKA STORY
Update: The shooter has been identified as California teacher Cole Allen, a Torrance, Calif. Teacher of the Month. Washington, DC Police chief confirmed the shooter was armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun, handgun, and several knives. A Secret Service officer was shot in the incident, but appears to have survived.
April 25, 2026 – A suspected shooter is in custody after gunfire was reported Saturday evening inside the venue hosting the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, prompting a swift evacuation of Donald Trump and Melania Trump.
According to multiple accounts from inside the ballroom, loud popping sounds—described by attendees as “POP POP POP POP”—rang out just minutes after the president had been seated. Within seconds, panic spread through the packed room, with attendees diving to the floor for cover.
US Secret Service agents immediately moved to secure the president and first lady, escorting them out of the venue to a secure location. Cabinet members and other high-ranking officials in attendance were also evacuated as security teams began sweeping the building.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump WILL BE RETURNING to the stage at the White House Correspondents Dinner after shots were fired in the lobby
This man WILL NOT be deterred! 🔥
What a LEGEND!
Keep praying for 47's safety! pic.twitter.com/t5R5p5XCEP
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 26, 2026
Early reports indicate a suspected shooter was located and is now deceased. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the individual was killed by law enforcement or died by other means.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, an annual event attended by journalists, political leaders, celebrities, and administration officials, had drawn thousands of attendees. The incident unfolded rapidly, turning what is typically a high-profile social and political gathering into a chaotic emergency scene.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Secret Service and local authorities, remain on site conducting a full search and investigation. It is not yet clear whether anyone else was injured in the incident.
This may be the third known attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspected shooter, and no motive has been established.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow.
🚨 BREAKING: HEAVILY armed Secret Service agents seen RUSHING though the lobby of the Washington Hilton Hotel following SHOTS FIRED
Secret Service is now SWEEPING each room in the building.
President Trump is SAFE 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/96yRKBSxIi
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 26, 2026
