OAN Staff Abril Elfi
1:11 PM – Sunday, April 26, 2026
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated out of the Washington Hilton ballroom as chaos erupted after gunshots were heard during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
On Saturday, people were seen on camera inside the event hiding under the tables and finding cover as shots were fired outside the ballroom.
Moments after being escorted out, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the suspect had been apprehended, praising Secret Service and law enforcement for their response.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump posted. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.”
Trump later delivered remarks from the White House briefing room following the incident.
“A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service,” he stated.
The president said one officer was shot at close range but was saved by a bulletproof vest.
“I just spoke to the officer… he’s in great shape,” Trump said.
Trump also shared surveillance video of the moment that the gunman entered the area.
He said the surveillance video released on Truth Social was meant to show “the violence of this thug that attacked our Constitution,” but also “how quickly Secret Service and law enforcement acted on our country’s behalf.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said that charges against the suspect are expected to be filed soon.
“This investigation is ongoing,” he said during the briefing at the White House. “I expect you will see charges filed shortly.”
“The charges should be self-evident given the conduct,” he continued. “But as you’ll hear, there will be multiple charges surrounding the shooting, around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get on this guy.”
The suspect was later identified as Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C, the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was found with multiple weapons.
FBI agents arrived outside the suspect’s home in Torrance early Sunday and have been searching his residence.
During a call with Fox News, President Trump said that the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be rescheduled, stating that “really bad people” like the gunman who forced its cancellation can’t be allowed to “change the course of events in our country.”
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!