Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate after a man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner attended by President Donald Trump on Saturday night.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, Calif., has been arrested after allegedly charging toward the ballroom where the event was taking place in a chaotic encounter with Secret Service agents as guests dived under tables at the sound of shots being fired. The president was uninjured and rushed off the stage, while Allen, who officials said was a guest at the Washington Hilton where the dinner was being held, was promptly apprehended.
Allen is expected to appear in federal court on Monday. Police believe he opened fire and acted alone but have not identified an intended target. Authorities also have not publicly articulated a motive.
President Trump held a news conference not long after the gunfire rang out, and called on Americans to set their differences aside in what has grown to be a tense political landscape nationally.
“We have to, we have to resolve our differences,” Trump said. “I will say, you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals, and progressives. Those words are interchangeable, perhaps, but maybe they’re not. But yet everybody in that room, big crowd, record-setting crowd, there was a record-setting group of people, and there was a tremendous amount of love and coming together. I watched, I watched, and I was very, very impressed by that.”
Here’s how Mississippi officials are responding to the events that played out Saturday:
Gov. Tate Reeves
Grateful that President and First Lady Trump are safe tonight.
Thank you to all the law enforcement officers and military who protect our President.
President Trump is strong and this will not slow him down! America First!!! 🇺🇸
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) April 26, 2026
U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly
Grateful President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are safe. Thankful for the swift response from law enforcement. Please join me in praying for our nation and for President Trump.
— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) April 26, 2026
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann
Grateful for the Secret Service and law enforcement who kept our President and everyone safe.
We must remain vigilant of our personal conduct and condemn any speech or writing that encourages violence of any kind.
Please pray for our country, our citizens, and our elected…
— Delbert Hosemann (@DelbertHosemann) April 26, 2026
Attorney General Lynn Fitch
Join me in praying for the safety of the President, the First Lady, and those attending the White House Correspondents dinner.
Thank you to the incredible men and women in uniform for their quick response.
— Lynn Fitch (@LynnFitchAG) April 26, 2026
State Auditor Shad White
Prayers for President Trump and his entire team this evening!
— Shad White (@shadwhite) April 26, 2026
Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson
Lifting prayers for the President and First Lady and everyone at the White House Correspondents Dinner. So tragic to think yet another evil attempt has been made on our President Donald Trump’s life. Keeping him and all in our prayers!
— Andy Gipson for MS (@AndyGipsonforMS) April 26, 2026
State Treasurer David McRae
Very thankful for Secret Service and law enforcement who quickly went into action and protected President Trump and cabinet members at last night’s White House Correspondence Dinner.
— Treasurer David McRae (@DavidMcRaeMS) April 26, 2026
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
