Friday, September 11, 2026

Trump, Vance safe after gunman opens fire at Washington dinner

Mr Allen will be charged to court on Monday.

• April 26, 2026
Donald Trump and JD Vance
Donald Trump and JD Vance [Credit: The New York Times]

President Donald Trump and vice president, J.D. Vance, are safe after a gunman carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives fired at a federal official during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.

The shooting disrupted the event as Secret Service agents swung swiftly into action, yanking Mr Vance from his seat while cabinet members and VIP guests ducked under tables, scrambling for safety.

A team of agents formed a human shield around Mr Trump as they guided him out of the hall. First Lady Melania Trump was similarly evacuated.

No one has been reported hurt.

“The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” Mr Trump wrote on social media.

The U.S. leader held a press conference late Saturday night where he explained that the assailant hit the official’s bulletproof vest and that he was “doing great.”

The New York Times identified the gunman as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old man from Torrance, California. A motive has yet to be determined, but law enforcement believes he was acting alone.

Mr Allen will be charged in court on Monday, according to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the district of California.

“This individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could,” said Ms Pirro.

High-profile guests in attendance included FBI Director Kash Patel, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Alex Otti

Economy

Abia govt seeks input on 2027 budget proposal 

The Abia government has commenced consultations with citizens and stakeholders to identify priority areas for inclusion in the state’s 2027 budget.

Troops

NationWide

13 hostages rescued during counter-terrorism operations: Military

The Nigerian Army says troops have rescued 13 hostages, intercepted 300 rounds of ammunition and killed a suspected kidnapper in separate operations nationwide.

Showbiz

Edo Carnival targets 100,000 people, ₦1 billion economic impact

Edo’s finance commissioner, Emmanuel Okoebor, says the Edo Carnival 2026 is targeting close to 100,000 participants and more than ₦1 billion in economic activity.

Politics

Delta South APC reaffirms support for Tinubu, Oborevwori, others

APC Delta South senatorial district leaders have reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 elections.

Lagos

Police commend Nembe E&P for 12KVA solar donation to Lekki division

The Lekki Division of the Nigeria Police Force commended Nembe Exploration and Production Company for donating a 12KVA inverter-solar power system.

Dear Ajayi

Showbiz

Orimogunje’s ‘Dear Ajayi’ selected for Venice Film Festival competition

Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje’s second feature film, ‘Dear Ajayi’, has been selected for the Giornate degli Autori competition at the 2026 Venice Film Festival.