Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect who tried to break through a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Dinner appeared to be targeting members of the Trump administration. After shots were heard during the dinner, President Donald Trump was rushed off the stage unhurt, and he and his Cabinet members are all safe, according to multiple reports. Video captured the sound of shots being fired as attendees ducked for cover. CNN correspondents Jake Tapper and Kaitlan Collins captured video inside the Washington Hilton ballroom moments after shots were reported, as attendees ducked under tables and Secret Service rushed in. Collins asked Trump after the incident whether he or his team were aware of any threats beforehand.
The suspected perpetrator, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, likely wrote the manifesto on the train to Washington, according to major media reports. According to terrorism researcher Magnus Ranstorp, as reported by Aftonbladet, the perpetrator planned the attack for some time. Ranstorp also described that security clearly failed, according to Aftonbladet.
The perpetrator planned the attack for some time.
The current condition of the suspect Cole Tomas Allen remains unclear. The specific security failures that allowed the attack to occur have not been disclosed. It is unknown whether there were any prior threats or warnings about the incident. The motive behind the attack has not been determined, and the number of people injured or killed has not been confirmed.
In a separate development, President Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for California governor, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom. Trump said he has known and respected Hilton for many years. He called Newsom 'Newscum' and said he has done a 'horrendous' job. Trump stated that people are fleeing California, crime is increasing, and taxes are the highest of any state. He said he would help Hilton turn California around with federal help and gave his 'COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT' to Hilton.
Security clearly failed.
California may have a Republican governor for the first time in nearly two decades after Arnold Schwarzenegger served from 2003 to 2011, according to research from two sources. Hilton has edged ahead in the polls and Democrats are panicking that their crowded field may cause an all-Republican showdown in November, the research indicates. Under California law, the primary system is a top-two system where the two candidates with the most votes in June face off in November. As of now, Republican candidates Steve Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco top the long list of Democrats in the gubernatorial race. The other eight candidates are all Democrats: Xavier Becerra, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Tom Steyer, Eric Swalwell, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Betty Yee. At its February convention, the California Democratic Party failed to unite behind a single candidate. Party chair Rusty Hicks urged contenders to withdraw by the filing deadline if no viable path exists. Hicks added that those who remain should reassess by April 15 and be prepared to back another candidate if necessary. Democrats make up 45.3% of registered voters, Republicans 25.2%, and independents 22.3%.
Trump also offered an endorsement to Jake Paul, telling him he would have his 'complete and total endorsement' if he ever ran for Congress. Trump praised the Secret Service for acting quickly after the shooting incident. He said the event will be rescheduled.
I have known and respected Steve Hilton for many years.
President Trump's 'Gold Card' was unveiled to much fanfare in February 2025, according to multiple reports.
Newscum has done a horrendous job.
People are fleeing California, crime is increasing, and taxes are the highest of any state.
I will help Steve Hilton turn California around with federal help.
My COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT to Steve Hilton.
You would have my complete and total endorsement if you ever ran for Congress.
The suspect appeared to be targeting members of the Trump administration.
The event will be rescheduled.