Trump Faces Third Death Threat in 3 Years; US Political Violence Again Draws Concern
After two previous assassination attempts, a gunman entered the security checkpoint area of the White House Correspondents' Dinner venue today and fired shots, marking the third time in three years that former US President Trump has faced danger. This incident is sure to reignite concerns about political violence in the United States.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 26, 2026 at 16:28
- 🔍 Collected: April 26, 2026 at 16:31 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 26, 2026 at 16:37 (5 min after Collected)
Washington, April 25 (CNA) — Following two previous assassination attempts, an armed man today broke into the security check area of the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner and opened fire. This marks the third time in three years that former US President Donald Trump has faced danger. Trump is one of the most attacked presidents in history, and this incident is bound to reignite concerns about political violence in the United States.
When the shots rang out, approximately 2,600 guests were attending the dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, the same location where then-US President Ronald Reagan was seriously wounded in a shooting in 1981. This time, the assailant rushed towards the ballroom where Trump was dining with hundreds of journalists, government officials, and guests, but was quickly stopped by security personnel who opened fire and took him into custody. Trump and others were subsequently evacuated from the hotel.
The New York Times reported that this is Trump's third encounter with danger in three years. During his 2024 campaign, he survived two assassination attempts. In one instance in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed his ear, causing Trump to instantly show pain, cover his ear, and crouch down. Secret Service agents immediately swarmed around him, forming a human shield to cover him on the ground.
After the incident today, Trump returned to the White House for a press conference, stating that a suspect "carrying multiple weapons" rushed towards the security checkpoint and was subdued by Secret Service personnel. One Secret Service agent was shot but sustained no serious injuries.
The motive of the 31-year-old assailant, Cole Thomas Allen, is currently unclear, but this act of violence is certain to once again raise concerns about political violence in the United States and whether the security around Trump is adequate.
Trump later commented, "It's a dangerous business," referring to the risks of being a political leader. He also compared his profession to that of a race car driver or bullfighter, stating directly that presidents have a higher chance of being shot or killed. He said, "Nobody told me this was such a dangerous profession."
The entrance to the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the dinner was held, did not have metal detectors. Security checkpoints were only located inside, closer to the ballroom. A security video released by Trump showed the gunman rushing past the security checkpoint and only being subdued closer to the ballroom.
On July 13, 2024, Trump became the first sitting or former US president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to face an assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his ear during a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired several shots at Trump before being returned fire upon and killed by the Secret Service. However, the fact that the gunman nearly killed Trump immediately sparked demands for reform within the Secret Service, and its capabilities were called into question.
Then, on September 15, 2024, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, armed with a rifle, hid in the bushes of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, plotting to assassinate Trump. Routh was later convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life imprisonment.
When asked why he repeatedly becomes a target of violent attacks, Trump noted that it is related to the significant influence he generated during his presidency.
Trump said, "I've studied various assassination attempts, and I have to tell you, those with the greatest influence and who are most effective are the ones who are targeted."
The New York Times pointed out that in addition to known assassination attempts, Trump faces other threats. Federal prosecutors stated that Iranian agents had plotted to assassinate Trump in retaliation for his first term's killing of Major General Qassim Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who helped lead Iranian terrorist operations.
The president is always the primary target of political violence, but over the years, such threats have also affected government officials at all levels and in various places, with members of both major parties suffering harm or even death as a result.
In 2017, Louisiana Republican Congressman Steve Scalise and others were victims of a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice, with Scalise being seriously wounded and nearly dying. Last year, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
Democrats also frequently face threats. Minnesota Democratic state legislators Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were both killed; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence was attacked with arson; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was attacked with a hammer; and former Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign office in Arizona also experienced a shooting incident.
Trump also discussed the current social atmosphere today. He said, "As this incident unfolded tonight, I call on all Americans to wholeheartedly commit to resolving differences peacefully."
When asked if he would change his approach due to repeated attacks, he stated that he tries not to think about the dangers of the job.
Regarding the dinner being canceled, Trump said, "We will reschedule. We will still hold it. We won't let anyone control this society, nor will we cancel activities because of this."
Stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for upholding press freedom.
Download CNA's 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
When the shots rang out, approximately 2,600 guests were attending the dinner at the Washington Hilton Hotel, the same location where then-US President Ronald Reagan was seriously wounded in a shooting in 1981. This time, the assailant rushed towards the ballroom where Trump was dining with hundreds of journalists, government officials, and guests, but was quickly stopped by security personnel who opened fire and took him into custody. Trump and others were subsequently evacuated from the hotel.
The New York Times reported that this is Trump's third encounter with danger in three years. During his 2024 campaign, he survived two assassination attempts. In one instance in Butler, Pennsylvania, a bullet grazed his ear, causing Trump to instantly show pain, cover his ear, and crouch down. Secret Service agents immediately swarmed around him, forming a human shield to cover him on the ground.
After the incident today, Trump returned to the White House for a press conference, stating that a suspect "carrying multiple weapons" rushed towards the security checkpoint and was subdued by Secret Service personnel. One Secret Service agent was shot but sustained no serious injuries.
The motive of the 31-year-old assailant, Cole Thomas Allen, is currently unclear, but this act of violence is certain to once again raise concerns about political violence in the United States and whether the security around Trump is adequate.
Trump later commented, "It's a dangerous business," referring to the risks of being a political leader. He also compared his profession to that of a race car driver or bullfighter, stating directly that presidents have a higher chance of being shot or killed. He said, "Nobody told me this was such a dangerous profession."
The entrance to the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the dinner was held, did not have metal detectors. Security checkpoints were only located inside, closer to the ballroom. A security video released by Trump showed the gunman rushing past the security checkpoint and only being subdued closer to the ballroom.
On July 13, 2024, Trump became the first sitting or former US president since Ronald Reagan in 1981 to face an assassination attempt when a bullet grazed his ear during a speech in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired several shots at Trump before being returned fire upon and killed by the Secret Service. However, the fact that the gunman nearly killed Trump immediately sparked demands for reform within the Secret Service, and its capabilities were called into question.
Then, on September 15, 2024, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, armed with a rifle, hid in the bushes of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, plotting to assassinate Trump. Routh was later convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life imprisonment.
When asked why he repeatedly becomes a target of violent attacks, Trump noted that it is related to the significant influence he generated during his presidency.
Trump said, "I've studied various assassination attempts, and I have to tell you, those with the greatest influence and who are most effective are the ones who are targeted."
The New York Times pointed out that in addition to known assassination attempts, Trump faces other threats. Federal prosecutors stated that Iranian agents had plotted to assassinate Trump in retaliation for his first term's killing of Major General Qassim Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who helped lead Iranian terrorist operations.
The president is always the primary target of political violence, but over the years, such threats have also affected government officials at all levels and in various places, with members of both major parties suffering harm or even death as a result.
In 2017, Louisiana Republican Congressman Steve Scalise and others were victims of a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice, with Scalise being seriously wounded and nearly dying. Last year, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
Democrats also frequently face threats. Minnesota Democratic state legislators Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were both killed; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence was attacked with arson; former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was attacked with a hammer; and former Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign office in Arizona also experienced a shooting incident.
Trump also discussed the current social atmosphere today. He said, "As this incident unfolded tonight, I call on all Americans to wholeheartedly commit to resolving differences peacefully."
When asked if he would change his approach due to repeated attacks, he stated that he tries not to think about the dangers of the job.
Regarding the dinner being canceled, Trump said, "We will reschedule. We will still hold it. We won't let anyone control this society, nor will we cancel activities because of this."
Stand with the facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for upholding press freedom.
Download CNA's 'First-hand News' APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.