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Shooter at White House Correspondents' Dinner charged with attempting to assassinate US President
Cole Tomas Allen opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2026, bypassing security before being arrested as President Trump and Vice President Vance were evacuated. He was later arraigned in federal court on charges of attempted assassination of the President and firearms offenses, facing a potential life sentence if convicted. A manifesto he sent to family about ten minutes before the attack is described in reporting.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights security vulnerabilities at high-profile political events and raises concerns about threats against the U.S. President and top officials.
Timeline
3 Events
Arraignment in federal court on charges of attempting to assassinate the US President and firearms offenses
April 27, 2026
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arraigned in a federal court on charges including attempting to assassinate the US President and two firearms offenses. He pleaded not guilty and was represented by two assistant public defenders; Tezira Abe stated that Allen has no criminal record and is presumed innocent. If convicted, he faces a life sentence.
Shooter opens fire at White House Correspondents' Dinner; security bypassed; president and vice president evacuated
April 25, 2026
Allen bypassed security and fired shots as he moved toward the Washington Hilton where the White House Correspondents' Dinner was being held. He was arrested by law enforcement on the scene while President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were taken to safety. The dinner was attended by senior officials and journalists.
Manifesto sent to family before attack
April 25, 2026
Approximately ten minutes before opening fire, Cole Tomas Allen sent an anti-Trump manifesto to members of his family. The document, signed under the names 'Cole 'coldForce' 'Friendly Federal Assassin' Allen,' described his reasoning, his intended targets, and his assessment of security arrangements at the Washington Hilton venue. The manifesto quotes include contrasts with oppression and references to political figures and crimes, as reported by The New York Post.