Monday briefing: Everything we know about the White House correspondents’ dinner shooting
The annual White House correspondents’ dinner descended into chaos Saturday night when gunfire erupted at the Washington Hilton, prompting the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other officials. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, opened fire while attempting to breach a security checkpoint, injuring a Secret Service officer before being apprehended. Authorities believe Allen targeted administration officials, with a manifesto and pre-attack messages indicating grievances against the Trump administration. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny over political security and the broader issue of political violence in the U.S.
- ▪Gunshots were fired at the Washington Hilton during the White House correspondents’ dinner, causing panic and the evacuation of President Trump and senior officials.
- ▪The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended after firing at law enforcement while carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun and handgun.
- ▪A Secret Service officer was struck but survived due to a ballistic vest, and the suspect had no prior criminal record in Los Angeles County.
- ▪Investigators confirmed the authenticity of a manifesto listing Trump administration officials as top targets, sent by the suspect shortly before the attack.
- ▪President Trump called for the event to be rescheduled within 30 days and reiterated his push for a secure White House ballroom.
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Agents enter the dining room after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenAgents enter the dining room after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty ImagesFirst Edition newsletterWhite House correspondents' dinner shootingMonday briefing: Everything we know about the White House correspondents’ dinner shootingIn today’s newsletter: After the dramatic events of Saturday night, White House security arrangements are under scrutiny and political violence is once again in the spotlightMartin BelamMon 27 Apr 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 27 Apr 2026 03.28 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGood morning. On Saturday night the annual Washington ritual of the White House correspondents’ dinner descended into chaos as the US president and first lady were evacuated after the event was interrupted by gunfire.Journalists ducked under tables as authorities rushed Donald Trump and members of his cabinet out of the room. The president and his wife were unharmed, and a suspect is in custody – identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from southern California. In today’s newsletter, I will bring you the latest updates on what we know about the incident. First, the headlines.Five big stories UK politics | Labour figures from across rival factions have begun circulating informal proposals for an “orderly transition” of power away from Keir Starmer, the Guardian understands, shifting their discussions from whether the prime minister could be removed to how. Europe news | Private jets laden with the spoils of those whose wealth swelled during Viktor Orbán’s years in power have been taking off from Vienna, while other individuals are racing to invest their assets abroad. Trade | UK business leaders have called on the government to build an EU-style “trade bazooka” to protect Britain’s economic interests in response to the latest tariff threats from Donald Trump. Middle East | Hopes of a breakthrough in negotiations between Iran and the US faded further on Sunday, amid a deepening sense of a deadlock in the nearly two-month-long conflict. Science | Simultaneous exposure to toxic chemicals and climate change’s impacts likely contributes to the broad global drop in fertility. In depth: ‘like a scene from a dozen Hollywood movies’View image in fullscreenAgents draw their guns at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night. Photograph: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Guardian’s Washington bureau chief David Smith was at the Washington Hilton on Saturday as events unfolded, and described chaotic scenes. He saw men in tuxedos, women in dresses, diving under the circular tables, “like a scene from a dozen Hollywood movies, but now it was happening to me, right here, right now.”David has since spoken about the experience to Nour Haydar for our Full Story podcast, which you can listen to here.What is the White House correspondents’ association dinner?The annual event is a tradition that dates back to the 1920s, and is a fixture in the US political calendar. Most presidents have attended at least one, and often make self-deprecating remarks for the entertainment of the journalists who spend most of the year diligently reporting on the administration.There is also usually a “comedy roast” from a guest speaker, although perhaps with an eye on how sensitive Trump can be to…
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