Suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting Was Likely Targeting Trump, Acting Attorney General Says

The man, who has been accused of opening fire outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday night, was reportedly targeting "administration officials."

"We believe the suspect was targeting administration officials," Blanche told NBC News, adding that preliminary findings suggested Allen was likely targeting President Trump specifically.

"He was trying to just breach his way in and take whoever he could," a law enforcement source told The New York Post.

In a statement shared on X on April 26, 2026, Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn stated that Allen, whom he described as a "coward," attempted to create a "national tragedy."

"[Allen] underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact. The strength of our layered security posture was evident, with a myriad of countermeasures ahead," he added.

The shooting unfolded at around 8:30 p.m. "near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents' Dinner," Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi confirmed.

"Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again," the president wrote in a Truth Social post addressing the incident.

During a press conference, the president recalled the incident, saying he initially thought the gunshots might have been a tray falling.

"There wasn't a lot of time to be thinking because it was a matter of seconds before we were out the door and gone into an area. I was hoping it was a tray, but it wasn't, and again, we had some very brave people doing a great job. So, we're very proud of them and happy with them. I just want to thank everybody they will be able to give you all that information," the president said.

Trump added that the first lady, for whom the incident was "a traumatic experience," was "very cognizant" and "knew immediately what happened"

The suspect was taken down by some very brave members of the Secret Service, and they acted very quickly," the president said.

According to NBC News, Cole Thomas Allen received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 and later earned a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills in May 2025.

Allen worked as an independent video game developer before pursuing a teaching career.

Although no harm was caused to the Cabinet members, the president shared that an officer was shot, but was saved due to a "bulletproof vest."

"One officer was shot but saved by the fact that he was wearing a obviously a very good bulletproof vest. He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great. He's great shape. He has very high spirits, and we told him we love him and respect him, and he's a very proud guy. He's very proud of what he does," said Trump.