Third Assassination Attempt Fails, Trump Refuses to Backdown

President Donald J. Trump addressed the third assassination attempt against him following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Trump spoke from the White House briefing room later that evening and in subsequent interviews. He praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their quick response and said he was not injured.

In comments to reporters and on television, Trump described the suspect as a “pretty sick guy” and “very troubled.” He noted that the individual had written a manifesto with anti-Christian elements and expressed surprise at the writings.

Trump stated he was not worried during the incident and told agents he wanted to see what was happening. He emphasized that the United States will not allow threats to cancel public events.

He called for the dinner to be rescheduled within 30 days with increased security, saying a “crazy person” should not succeed in disrupting it. Trump also reiterated support for building a large, secure ballroom on White House grounds to improve safety for such gatherings.

On Truth Social, Trump posted security footage of the incident and a photo of the suspect in custody. He wrote that the First Lady, Vice President, and Cabinet members were safe and in perfect condition.

The president urged Americans to recommit to resolving differences peacefully and highlighted unity in the face of violence.

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. He was apprehended at the scene after firing shots near a security checkpoint outside the ballroom.

Allen was a registered guest at the Washington Hilton. He carried a shotgun, a handgun, and knives when he rushed the metal detector area around 8:34 p.m. EDT.

He exchanged gunfire with Secret Service agents, striking one agent in the chest. The agent was protected by a bulletproof vest and sustained no serious injury. Allen was subdued without being shot by agents.

No other injuries were reported, and Allen did not reach the main ballroom where Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet officials were present.

Allen faces federal charges, including use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Investigators believe Allen was targeting Trump and members of his administration. He sent a manifesto to family members about 10 minutes before the shooting.

In the document, Allen referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined objections and rebuttals related to his actions, including references to Christian teachings and perceived oppression. He expressed anti-Trump sentiments and listed administration officials as targets in a prioritized order.

Trump addressed parts of the manifesto in interviews, rejecting accusations of sexual misconduct and stating he is “not a rapist.” He described the writings as having nothing to do with him personally.

Allen is a Caltech graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and a recent master’s in computer science. He worked as a high school tutor and amateur video game developer, living with his parents in Torrance.

He had no prior criminal record according to available reports. Family members told investigators he had made radical statements in the past, attended an anti-Trump protest, and spoke of plans to “do something” about issues in the world.

Allen traveled from California, reportedly taking a train route through Chicago before arriving in D.C. He purchased firearms previously stored at his parents’ home.

FBI agents searched his residence in Torrance as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are examining his full background, online activity, and any potential accomplices.

As of April 27, 2026, no additional suspects have been identified, and there is no reported ongoing threat linked to the incident.

Trump has noted this as the third major assassination attempt since 2024. He has vowed not to retreat from public life and continues to focus on his administration’s agenda.