A gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday evening, according to one law enforcement official. A law enforcement officer was shot in the bullet-resistant vest but is expected to recover, several sources told The Associated Press. President Trump was safe and uninjured after the incident, according to research from six sources. The shooting occurred during the annual dinner, which was attended by journalists, politicians, and other dignitaries. The event was immediately evacuated, and the suspect was apprehended at the scene.
The shooting suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, two law enforcement officials told the AP. The motive for the attack remains unknown, and specific charges have not yet been announced. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a press conference that "charges related to the attack will be filed shortly." FBI Director Kash Patel stated that "the FBI is examining a long gun and shell casings recovered from the scene." President Trump described the suspect as "a sick person and a lone wolf" during a press conference. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser added, "I have no reason to believe anyone else was involved."
The suspect is a sick person and a lone wolf.
Trump's approval ratings as of April 2026 remain in the low 40s, with specific polls showing 41.0% (Ballotpedia), 40.9% (RealClearPolitics), 35% (Economist/YouGov), 31% (CNN/SSRS), and 46% (Rasmussen Reports). A record 48% of people now say they 'strongly disapprove' of Trump's performance, according to YouGov. This level of strong disapproval is unprecedented for Trump, reflecting deep polarization. The ratings are similar to those in April 2018, when his approval was around 41%, according to research from six sources. Despite the shooting, the political landscape remains contentious.
Republican support for Trump remains high, with 95% of Republicans still supporting him, but the number who 'strongly approve' dropped from 69% to about 58%, according to research from six sources. This softening of intensity among his base could have implications for upcoming elections. The decline in strong approval suggests that while Republicans still back Trump, their enthusiasm may be waning. This trend is notable as Trump continues to play a kingmaker role in Republican primaries.
I have no reason to believe anyone else was involved.
President Trump endorsed Republican Steve Hilton for California governor, according to research from three sources. The California governor's race has over 50 candidates, including eight established Democrats and two leading Republicans (Hilton and Bianco), according to research from six sources. Polling by the Public Policy Institute of California in early February showed Hilton, Bianco, and three Democrats in close competition. Trump's endorsement could boost Hilton's profile in a crowded field. However, analysis by Laurel Rosenhall suggests that Trump's endorsement could backfire by helping Democrats avoid being shut out of the general election. In California's top-two primary system, if too many Republicans split the vote, Democrats could advance to the general election. Trump called Hilton "a truly fine man" on social media.
Other Trump endorsements include Jake Paul, who is not running for office, according to research from six sources. This unusual endorsement has raised eyebrows, as Paul is a social media influencer and boxer. Additionally, Republican Clay Fuller won a special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene after Trump endorsed him, according to research from six sources. Fuller's victory demonstrates Trump's continued influence in Republican primaries. However, Trump declined to endorse in the Texas Senate race before the deadline, leaving John Cornyn and Ken Paxton on the ballot, according to research from six sources. This non-endorsement could signal a rift or strategic calculation.
Charges related to the attack will be filed shortly.
The shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has raised security concerns for high-profile events. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI examining evidence. The motive of Cole Tomas Allen remains unknown, and it is unclear if anyone else was injured besides the law enforcement officer. The exact timeline of the incident has not been released. As the story develops, more details are expected to emerge.
The FBI is examining a long gun and shell casings recovered from the scene.
Steve Hilton is a truly fine man.