Federal Election Commission records show that Allen made a small political donation during the 2024 election cycle. Officials have not indicated whether that activity is relevant to the investigation.
Authorities said Allen was detained at the scene without further incident. Officials have not released details about any charges as of Thursday.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner typically draws journalists, political figures and public officials from across the country.
BREAKING: PRESIDENT TRUMP POSTS PHOTO OF SHOOTER pic.twitter.com/UKFb6Hfu3N
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) April 26, 2026
The shooting occurred during one of Washington’s most prominent annual events
Emergency responders arrived quickly following reports of gunfire. Law enforcement agencies moved to secure the area and ensure the safety of those in attendance.
Multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and Secret Service, are now involved in the investigation. Officials said they are reviewing Allen’s digital footprint, communications and personal history.
Secret Service checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner while armed with multiple weapons.
During a late Saturday news conference, authorities said Cole Allen rushed a U.S
Officials said Allen opened fire on a Secret Service officer, who was struck in his ballistic vest and transported to a hospital. Agents returned fire, and Allen was not hit but was also taken to a hospital, authorities said, Fox News reported.
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said at a press conference that Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, adding that additional charges are expected.
Secret Service along with First Lady Melania Trump and other senior officials. Vice President JD Vance and members of Trump’s Cabinet, who were also in attendance, were also rushed out. Also among the officials in the room for the dinner was the acting attorney general, Todd Blanche.
President Donald Trump was whisked away from the venue by the U.S
The White House press pool, the group of reporters that travels with the president, reported early on that the president was still at the Washington hotel that serves as the setting for the correspondent’s dinner. “The pool is still at the Hilton as of 8:56, which means POTUS hadn’t departed yet,” according to the Saturday evening pool report.