Donald Trump escaped a third suspected assassination attempt unhurt after a gunman calling himself the “Friendly Federal Assassin” opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington. The suspect, teacher Cole Tomas Allen, 31, stormed security in the lobby of the Washington Hilton armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the president and members of his administration were believed to have been the targets.
A Secret Service agent was shot but saved by a bulletproof vest. Allen was captured before entering the ballroom where Trump was due to address more than 2,500 guests. The sound of gunfire sent attendees scrambling for cover, while armed agents bundled the president and first lady Melania Trump to safety. A magician performing for Trump described it as the “scariest moment of my life”.
In a manifesto sent to family minutes before the attack, Allen allegedly revealed he was trying to kill Trump administration officials. Trump called Allen “a very troubled guy” who “hates Christians” but insisted the shooting would not affect King Charles’ state visit. Allen was charged with using a firearm and assault on a federal officer, with more charges expected.
The incident follows two previous assassination attempts on Trump: a 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear, and a later incident at Trump International Golf Club in Florida where a man was spotted with a gun in bushes.
