President Trump shares footage, images of suspect apprehended during correspondents dinner

UPDATE: April 25, 2026 at 7:38 p.m.

During the press conference held in the White House Press Briefing Room on Saturday night, President Trump announced that surveillance footage had been released on Truth Social showing the armed suspect's attempt to run through a security checkpoint outside of the White House correspondents dinner.

Additionally, the president shared images of the suspect after being apprehended by security personnel.

The FBI later identified the individual as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Authorities reported that Allen was carrying multiple firearms and knives, and Trump stated during the press conference that he had assembled the firearms once inside the Washington Hilton Hotel.

UPDATE: April 25, 2026 at 6:46 p.m.

President Trump made a follow-up statement on Truth Social, announcing that the White House correspondents dinner has been officially cancelled for Saturday night, and that a press conference will be held in the White House in the next 30 minutes.

Trump added that the event will be rescheduled within the next month.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump shared a message via Truth Social on Saturday night, following the security incident during the White House correspondents dinner that led to the president and other government officials being evacuated.

President Trump complimented the response of Secret Service and law enforcement personnel after an incident that authorities reported as a shooting took place outside the dinner. Trump also noted that a suspect has been taken into custody.

“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,” Trump stated.

The president also hinted at another dinner being scheduled in the future, regardless of how the event proceeds on Saturday.

Article originally published April 25, 2026 at 6:41 p.m.