Chaos at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Armed Attacker Stopped Near Ballroom

Hundreds of journalists, celebrities and politicians were gathered at the Washington Hilton for the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner when an armed man charged a street-level security checkpoint one floor above the ballroom. The incident sent shots echoing into the room, prompting Secret Service and other law enforcement officers to move quickly to protect the president and other officials.

What Happened

At about 8:34 p.m., security footage shows an assailant running past metal detectors and a small group of guards and heading toward the stairwell that leads down to the packed ballroom. Guards drew their weapons and pursued him; gunfire followed. Video and eyewitness accounts indicate roughly six shots were fired and the pops reverberated into the event space.

Immediate Reaction in the Ballroom

Guests in tuxedos and gowns initially mistook the sounds for something else, but moments later people began shouting for everyone to get down. Secret Service agents surged into the room, formed a protective ring around President Donald Trump and escorted several senior officials — including the first lady, vice president and cabinet members — out of the ballroom. Guests ducked under tables, shrieked and then began to evacuate as authorities secured the scene.

President Trump speaks in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House shortly after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. (Mandel Ngan / AFP via Getty Images)(Mandel Ngan)

The Suspect and Law Enforcement Response

The suspect, later identified as Cole Tomas Allen, did not reach the ballroom. He fell near the top of the stairs and was detained by officers; video shows him lying face down covered by a foil blanket. Authorities said he emerged from a hotel room carrying a shotgun, a handgun and several knives. Law enforcement exchanged fire with the assailant; one Secret Service agent was struck but the bullet was stopped by the agent's protective vest. Officials reported no guests were hit.

Aftermath and Official Statements

Approximately 24 minutes after the gunfire, association president and CBS correspondent Weijia Jiang attempted to resume the program but was soon told to evacuate the venue per law enforcement direction. House Speaker Mike Johnson posted on X at 9:52 p.m. saying attendees were safe and thanked first responders. President Trump later spoke at the White House briefing room, praising the swift response of the Secret Service and other officers.

Allen was charged with attempted assassination of the president on Monday. His federal public defender, Tezira Abe, said he had no prior arrests or convictions and emphasized he is presumed innocent.

This account is based on pool footage, security video and interviews with witnesses from the event.