New Delhi, Updated At: 06:49 AM Apr 27, 2026 IST
A gunfire scare at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner late Saturday forced the evacuation of US President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice‑President J.D. Vance, several Cabinet members and hundreds of guests from the Washington Hilton, officials said.
The incident occurred moments before the President’s planned address, as roughly 2,500 attendees had gathered. Authorities say a man tried to breach a security checkpoint near the ballroom and fired shots, touching off panic inside and outside the venue. Guests dove under tables and rushed exits while United States Secret Service agents moved to secure the area.
The suspect, identified as 31‑year‑old Cole Tomas Allen of California, was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives, investigators said. He was subdued within minutes and is in custody; officials believe he acted alone. Law enforcement agencies including the FBI are probing his background and motive and are examining how he accessed a less secure section of the hotel before reaching the checkpoint.
One Secret Service agent was struck during the exchange but was protected by a bulletproof vest; he received treatment and is expected to recover. No fatalities were reported. Authorities confirmed all dignitaries were unharmed.
President Trump praised the rapid response of security personnel, saying their actions likely averted a worse outcome and calling the attacker a “very sick person.” On Truth Social he repeated his long‑standing call for a high‑security, on‑grounds ballroom at the White House — currently under construction — saying the episode “would never have happened” if such a militarily secure facility were operational and criticizing legal challenges to the project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hours after the incident, expressed relief that US leaders were safe, saying violence “has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” and wished them continued safety and well‑being.
The dinner was cancelled as authorities secured and searched the hotel. The episode has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of large political gatherings despite layered security, prompting calls for tighter coordination and enhanced protective measures at high‑profile events.
