April 27, 2026
A 31-year-old man suspected of firing shots near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., is expected to be arraigned Monday on federal charges, authorities said.
The suspect, described by officials as a teacher and engineer who traveled from California, faces preliminary counts that include using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said. A Secret Service officer was wounded in an exchange of gunfire with the alleged shooter and is recovering.
The gala, attended by President Donald Trump, the first lady and other senior officials, was disrupted Saturday night when guests ducked under tables amid loud bangs later confirmed as gunshots. Trump was rushed off the stage; he and other attendees were not harmed.
Media outlets have identified the suspect as Cole A., though DW follows the German Press Code and withholds full names of suspects and victims. CBS News reported the suspect emailed an alleged manifesto to his family minutes before the attack; investigators said they have not established a clear motive.
In a recorded interview at the White House on Sunday, President Trump criticized CBS correspondent Norah O’Donnell after she read portions of the alleged manifesto on air. He called the coverage ‘disgraceful,’ denied the accusations quoted in the text and objected to the reporter reading the shooter’s alleged words on ’60 Minutes.’
The incident prompted a security review of an upcoming state visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Buckingham Palace said the king was ‘greatly relieved’ that the president, first lady and guests were unharmed, and confirmed the four-day visit to Washington and related events will go ahead as planned.
Separately, tech executives Elon Musk and Sam Altman are scheduled to appear in court Monday in a dispute over OpenAI’s direction and whether it has shifted from its founding pledge to prioritize public benefit over profit. The case highlights ongoing tensions within the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry.
DW continues to follow developments related to the shooting, the suspect’s court appearance and the broader national security and political implications.