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White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting: Timeline traces how suspect’s alleged cross-country plan unfolded

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House Correspondents’ Dinner quickly devolved into chaos Saturday as shots rang out inside the Washington, D.C., hotel hosting the annual gala while President Donald Trump was in attendance. 

The suspect has been identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, Calif., with law enforcement adding that he prepared a manifesto and shared posts to social media outlining his intent to target Trump and other administration officials, according to authorities. 

Allen’s sister, Avriana Allen, told Secret Service and Montgomery County Police that her brother had a history of making radical statements and previously mentioned a plan to do “something” to fix what he believed to be issues with today’s society, authorities said. 

WHCD SHOOTING SUSPECT PLANNED TO TARGET TRUMP OFFICIALS, MANIFESTO REVEALS

A suspect lying face down on the floor as law enforcement officers detain him

Allen allegedly stormed the Washington Hilton’s lobby while armed with weapons within minutes of the event kicking off, and was quickly apprehended by members of the Secret Service.

He is currently in custody and authorities are expected to file federal charges against him Monday. 

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller helping his wife Katie Miller at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner

Here is a timeline of events leading up to the shooting: 

October 2023: 

Allen legally purchases a .38-caliber semiautomatic pistol, according to the Associated Press. He purchased a 12-gauge shotgun two years later. 

WATCH: Suspect went from ‘nerdy geek’ to attempted attacker: Asra Nomani

His sister told authorities the weapons were purchased from Cap Tactical Firearms and stored in their parents’ home, who were unaware of the guns being kept there.

WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER SUSPECT CHECKED INTO HILTON HOTEL ONE DAY BEFORE THE SHOOTING: SOURCES

Security officials react as a shooter opens fire during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 25, 2026.

She also revealed her brother was a regular visitor to the shooting range, was a member of a group called “The Wide Awakes” and had previously attended a “No Kings” protest in California

President Trump holds a presser after the White House correspondents' dinner shooting

Mid-April 2026: 

Allen allegedly travels by train from California to Washington, D.C., making one stop in Chicago, according to authorities. 

Attendees ducking under tables at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Friday, April 24

Allen checks into the Washington Hilton one day before the April 25 gala dinner, sources told Fox News.

Armed Secret Service agents standing on stage at the Washington Hilton.

Saturday, April 25, 8 p.m.

The 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner begins, with Trump taking his seat alongside Vice President J.D. Vance and first lady Melania Trump. Several other administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and House Speaker Mike Johnson, are also in attendance. 

WATCH: Trey Yingst reports live from WHCD during shooting

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Before the shooting, Allen allegedly sends a written manifesto outlining his intent to target Trump administration officials to members of his family, according to law enforcement sources. 

A diagram illustrating the layout of the Washington Hilton’s international terrace level, where a gunman moved through the hotel.

Saturday, April 25, 8:30 p.m.

Shots ring out on the hotel’s terrace level, one floor below the hotel lobby and one floor above the International Ballroom, where hundreds of journalists and cabinet officials were enjoying the start of the program. 

Media and onlookers gathered in front of a house connected to Cole Tomas Allen in Torrance, California

According to authorities, Allen charged through a security checkpoint in the hotel’s lobby area armed with firearms and knives, striking one officer in his ballistic vest.

Cole Allen in graduation gown

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Allen is intercepted by members of the Secret Service as they return fire and tackle him to the ground. 

Within seconds, Trump and other high-level members of the federal government are rushed to safety by the Secret Service, as journalists and other attendees take shelter under tables in the ballroom.

Marco Rubio speaking at a White House press conference with Pete Hegseth, Karoline Leavitt, and Melania Trump

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The officer who was struck is later transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive.

Police secure street outside suspect's home in Torrance, California

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Saturday, April 25, 9:17 p.m.

Trump makes his first comments after the shooting on Truth Social, commending officers for acting “quickly and bravely.” Trump also added that “the shooter has been apprehended,” and that he had recommended the event resume.

WATCH: WHCD shooting appears to be third incident targeting Trump

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Saturday, April 25, 9:36 p.m.

Trump makes a second post to Truth Social, revealing that law enforcement had asked attendees to evacuate the building, as was consistent with protocol. 

Saturday, April 25, 10:49 p.m.

After the shooting, Allen’s brother contacts the New London Police Department in Connecticut regarding his alleged manifesto. 

Cole Tomas Allen being restrained by law enforcement officers at the White House Correspondents Dinner

The police said in a statement they were contacted at 10:49 p.m. but someone who wanted to share information related to it, and the department said it then immediately alerted federal law enforcement, the Associated Press reported.

Sunday, April 26

Allen initially speaks with police before refusing to talk as of Sunday morning, according to authorities.

Authorities execute search warrants Sunday in Los Angeles and Washington, including at a hotel room where the suspect was staying, Blanche said. Investigators review devices and communications recovered during the searches.

President Trump in the White House briefing room with Kash Patel and Markwayne Mullin

Blanche added that it appears Allen bought the guns in “the past couple of years.”

“That could be another reason why he traveled by train because he had the firearms with him, but I’m speculating there,” he said.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom, Amanda Macias and CJ Womack contributed to this report.

  

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Florida man allegedly shot woman in neck, dragged her back inside before hiding in backyard pool

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A Florida man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting a woman in the neck and dragging her back into her home, authorities said.

Officers with the Wildwood Police Department responded around 11:30 p.m. Saturday to reports of an argument followed by a gunshot, according to an arrest report cited by WKMG.

When police arrived, they found a woman with a gunshot wound to the neck lying in a driveway. She was airlifted to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

FLORIDA MAN WHO WAS HALF-NAKED, ‘HIGH ON METH’ BREAKS INTO HOME, GRABS CARPET CLEANER

Robert Anthony Morgan mugshot

Robert Anthony Morgan, 40, was arrested and charged with attempted felony murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and discharging a firearm in public or on residential property.

Police said Morgan was seen crawling under a partially open garage door before jumping into a backyard pool. Officers pulled him from the water and took him into custody.

The victim’s mother told investigators there was a history of domestic violence between Morgan and the victim. She said she saw him drag the woman back onto the property after the shooting, according to WKMG.

BODY CAMERA VIDEO SHOWS POLICE OFFICER ALLEGEDLY KIDNAPPED BY ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN ROADSIDE SHOWDOWN

Wildwood Police Department car and

When she asked if he had called for help, Morgan allegedly replied, “She’s fine,” and threatened to shoot her if she contacted police.

Authorities recovered a rifle from the garage floor and found blood in the street leading to the home, WESH reported.

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Wildwood Police Department car

The woman’s four children were inside the home at the time of the incident, according to reports.

Morgan, who has a prior conviction for felony battery, made an initial court appearance Monday and is being held without bond.

  

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Illegal immigrant accused of killing newlywed couple in Oregon crash arrested by ICE after jail release

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An illegal immigrant from India accused of causing a crash that killed a newlywed couple in Oregon has been arrested by federal immigration authorities after being released from jail, officials said.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Tuesday that Rajinder Kumar, 32, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after being released by what the agency called “Oregon sanctuary politicians.”

Kumar allegedly jackknifed his semi-truck and trailer, blocking both lanes of U.S. Highway 20 in Deschutes County on Nov. 24, according to Fox 12 Oregon.

A Subaru Outback then collided with the truck, killing driver William Micah Carter and passenger Jennifer Lynn Lower, DHS said. The couple had been married for just 16 days.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF CAUSING MASSIVE FATAL PILEUP WAS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO OBTAINED CDL IN NEW YORK: FEDS

Rajinder Kumar standing with ICE agents

DHS said Oregon officials declined to cooperate with ICE and released Kumar on April 2. ICE agents arrested him April 22 and he is now being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma pending deportation proceedings.

Kumar has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment, DHS said.

According to DHS, Kumar entered the U.S. illegally near Lukeville, Arizona, in November 2022 and was later released into the country by the Biden administration. He was granted work authorization in 2023 and obtained a commercial driver’s license in California.

NEWSOM OFFICE DISMISSES CRIME FEARS, DEFENDS SANCTUARY POLICIES AMID SURGE IN VIOLENCE: ‘FAKE NEWS’

William Micah Carter and Jennifer Lynn Lower

Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis blamed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration for issuing the license.

“This illegal alien was issued a CDL by Gavin Newsom’s California,” Bis said in a statement. “He then went on to recklessly drive a truck on America’s highways and KILL two honeymooners.”

“Instead of cooperating with ICE law enforcement, Oregon sanctuary politicians RELEASED him from jail back into American communities,” she added.

ILLEGAL MIGRANT WITH DUI RAP SHEET FACING VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CHARGES AFTER HEAD-ON CRASH KILLS MOM, DAUGHTER

Rajinder Kumar

Bis said sanctuary policies endanger public safety.

“Every time sanctuary politicians release a dangerous criminal illegal alien back into our communities, they are gambling with American lives,” Bis added. “We are grateful to our ICE law enforcement officers who tracked this killer down to ensure he’s permanently removed from America’s highways and can never harm another American family again.”

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom’s office for comment and DHS for clarification on Oregon officials’ level of cooperation.

Fox News Digital’s Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.

  

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Reagan shooter calls link to Washington hotel ‘spooky’ after alleged Trump assassination attempt at same site

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John Hinckley Jr. called it “spooky” that an alleged assassination attempt against President Donald Trump occurred at the same Washington, D.C., hotel where he shot then-President Ronald Reagan decades earlier, according to a report.

The plot against Trump unfolded on Saturday night at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton.

Authorities said the 32-year-old suspect, Cole Allen, of Torrance, Calif., stormed the venue and opened fire before he was arrested. A Secret Service agent was shot and injured in the attack.

Trump, the first lady and Cabinet officials were ushered out of the hotel by Secret Service agents – while members of the press were seen ducking for cover. 

COLE ALLEN CHARGED IN TRUMP ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT IN FIRST COURT APPEARANCE AFTER WHCA DINNER SHOOTING

President Ronald Reagan waving to onlookers outside the Washington Hilton

In an interview with TMZ, Hinckley Jr. called it “spooky” to learn that the shooting “took place at the same hotel as mine did.” He told the outlet that he found out about the attack when a newsflash popped up on his phone and he turned on the TV to follow coverage of it.

Cole Tomas Allen being restrained by law enforcement officers at the White House Correspondents Dinner

Hinckley said the security at the Washington Hilton is too “lax” and the hotel should not be hosting large-scale events. 

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That is the same hotel where he shot Reagan and three other victims in 1981.

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John Hinckley Jr. facing camera in mugshot photograph.

Hinckley had an obsession with actress Jodie Foster and wrote her a letter telling her he wanted to shoot Reagan.  

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The assassination attempt failed — and Hinckley was arrested, tried and found not guilty by reason of insanity in 1982. The court ordered him to live at a psychiatric hospital up until his release in 2022.

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaking during a press conference in the White House briefing room

Fox News Digital reached out to the Washington Hilton.

GOT A TIP?

  

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US Secret Service arrests suspect after barrier breach near White House during King Charles’ visit

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A security breach near the White House led to an arrest Tuesday as King Charles III and Queen Camilla toured Washington, D.C., amid heightened security days after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

A U.S. Secret Service spokesperson told Fox News Digital a suspect was detained and arrested by the agency after bypassing a security barrier near The Ellipse, often referred to as President’s Park South.

Criminal charges are pending, the spokesperson said.

The suspect’s identity and motivation have not yet been released.

A man appeared to have been arrested by the U.S. Secret Service Tuesday morning.

BLANCHE REVEALS ALLEGED WH CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER GUNMAN TRAVELED BY TRAIN FROM LA TO D.C. BEFORE ARREST

It is unclear if there were any weapons involved in the breach.

The Secret Service said enhanced security postures remain in effect on and around the White House complex due to the state visit.

U.S. Secret Service were seen near the barricades Tuesday morning following the alleged incident.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in the nation’s capital on Monday, less than 48 hours after an armed gunman opened fire at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

Immediately after the shooting, President Donald Trump was whisked away from the venue by Secret Service agents along with first lady Melania Trump and other high-level Cabinet officials.

A US Secret Service agent in tactical gear standing on the South Lawn of the White House

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The alleged gunman, identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is facing charges including attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, transporting a gun across state lines and discharging a gun during a crime of violence.

King Charles delivered a joint address to Congress Tuesday and will later travel to New York City and Virginia.

  

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Texas elementary school teacher accused of sexually assaulting child as police search for more victims

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An elementary school teacher in San Antonio, Texas, has been arrested and charged with continuous sexual assault of a child.

Authorities said in a Facebook post Tuesday that Cecilia Mueller, 46, was taken into custody Monday after an investigation.

Police said they are concerned there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

According to an arrest report, a 20-year-old man told authorities he had been in Mueller’s fifth grade class at Lewis Elementary School during the 2016-17 school year.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR ACCUSED OF INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT WITH FORMER STUDENT

Mugshot of Cecilia Mueller, 46

Throughout the year, he became one of her “favorites” and engaged in conversations about crushes and other inappropriate topics. Members of that group would sometimes eat lunch with her in a classroom, where he alleged she showed them explicit music videos and, on one occasion, a pornographic video, and played truth or dare, at times daring students to kiss each other.

He also said she instructed the students not to tell their parents, warning she could get into serious trouble.

The unnamed victim alleged his former teacher also kissed him in a closet in her classroom and engaged in other sexual acts. He said the abuse ended after the school year, when she reportedly told him not to tell anyone about what they did and to contact her when he turned 18, adding that it would “ruin him,” according to the arrest report.

Mueller worked in the Northside Independent School District (NISD), teaching at Lewis Elementary School until June 2019 before transferring to Henderson Elementary School in August 2019, where she has taught since.

ELITE SCHOOL TEACHER KNOWN AS ‘MR WONDERFUL’ ACCUSED OF HEINOUS CRIMES AGAINST STUDENTS

Classroom with organized desks and green chairs lit by natural light

She has been placed on leave by NISD Employee Relations, district officials told News 4 San Antonio. District officials said they are cooperating with the investigation.

Empty modern classroom interior with desks, chairs, whiteboard, and world map

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The San Antonio Police Department and Northside Independent School District did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the San Antonio Police Department.

  

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