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Trump Event Shooting Live Updates: Accused Shooter Likely Targeted Trump And His Top Officials
A shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, leading to the evacuation of President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and others. Authorities indicated the gunman likely targeted Trump administration officials, and investigations and reactions continued across the following day. The incident prompted international comments and raised questions about security at major public events.
Why It Matters
The event underscores security protocols at high-profile political gatherings and potential threats to top U.S. officials, with implications for event safety, investigations, and political discourse.
Timeline
12 Events
Court appearance scheduled for the accused
April 27, 2026
The accused gunman, who was in custody and being questioned, is due to appear in federal court in Washington on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Trump’s remarks on not being deterred
April 26, 2026
Trump stated that the assassination attempt would not deter him, saying it comes with the territory and that such acts won't stop him from continuing his work.
UAE condemns shooting; expresses solidarity
April 26, 2026
The United Arab Emirates condemned the shooting targeting US President Donald Trump and expressed solidarity with the US government, people, and Trump family.
New York Post reports on manifesto and police handling
April 26, 2026
The New York Post published a report, citing a US official, that the manifesto was handed to police by a relative.
Manifesto described as ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ and handed to police
April 26, 2026
The writings described by investigators referenced grievances against administration actions and were described as a manifesto; the document was later handed to police by a relative. The suspect was identified as Allen and included references to a target list of administration officials.
Gunman’s travel route and hotel check-in
April 26, 2026
Investigators said the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked in as a guest at the hotel hosting the event.
Investigation: shooter targeted Trump administration officials
April 26, 2026
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the gunman appeared to set out to target Trump administration officials, likely including the president, in remarks to NBC’s Meet the Press.
Surveillance footage released of security breach
April 25, 2026
Surveillance camera footage showed the gunman attempting to sprint past a security checkpoint before the exchange of gunfire outside the venue.
Trump posts that shooter had been apprehended
April 25, 2026
About an hour after Trump was evacuated from the event, he posted on Truth Social that a shooter had been apprehended, praising the Secret Service and law enforcement response.
Shooting occurs at WHCA dinner; outside attacker; evacuation
April 25, 2026
At around 8:30 PM ET, an individual sprinted toward President Trump on stage as guests were dining. Outside, a separate man carrying a shotgun attempted to rush through a security checkpoint. Secret Service agents responded with gunfire exchanged outside the building, and the gunman was detained at the scene. About 2,600 people were at the event.
Gunman sends manifesto to family minutes before shooting
April 25, 2026
About ten minutes before he opened fire, the gunman identified as Allen sent what authorities described as an anti-Trump manifesto to members of his family, outlining grievances against administration actions.
WHCA dinner venue closed to the public for security before event
April 25, 2026
The Washington Hilton hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was closed to the public beginning at 2:00 PM local time on Saturday, April 25, in anticipation of the event.