April 26, 2026

Shooting occurred at an event with Trump. Attacker apprehended, US President unharmed

During a White House Correspondents' Association reception attended by the US President, a shooting took place. Top officials were evacuated, the alleged shooter was detained, and their motives are currently unknown. This is reported by the BBC. Photo: EPA. The First Lady of the United States Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Health Robert Kennedy Jr., and other high-ranking state officials were also present at the event. All were promptly evacuated. Only one security guard was injured. Identity of the attacker. The shooter turned out to be 31-year-old teacher and California Institute of Technology graduate Cole Allen. The Secret Service stopped him before the security checkpoint, where the shootout occurred. The man was armed with a shotgun, a pistol, and several knives. Authorities believe he acted alone. The suspect in the Washington shooting stated he wanted to shoot "representatives of the Trump administration," reports CBS News citing sources. Reaction. The attack on Trump was condemned by both Republicans and Democrats. The politician himself stated that being president is a "dangerous profession." "I fought hard to stay [at the event]." Context. This is at least the fifth armed attack on Trump. The most high-profile assassination attempt on the politician occurred on July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania during an election rally. Trump was wounded in the ear, and one spectator died. In addition to direct assassination attempts, shooters have tried to attack his residences; the last such incident occurred in February.