Sanchez Condemns Attempted Attack on Trump at White House Correspondents' Dinner

'Violence Is Never the Way' — Sanchez Responds

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has condemned the attempted attack on US President Donald Trump that took place at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington on Saturday night.

Writing on X, the socialist (PSOE) leader said: "We condemn the attack that took place tonight against President Donald Trump. Violence is never the way. Humanity will only advance through democracy, coexistence and peace."

Spain's main opposition leader, Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the People's Party (PP), also expressed his "strongest condemnation" on behalf of his party, adding: "Political disagreement is resolved with words, not bullets. Let us defend democracy."

What Happened at the Washington Hilton

Trump and the First Lady were rushed from the stage on Saturday evening after gunshots rang out at the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner was being held. Secret Service agents swarmed the stage after a gunman carrying multiple weapons charged a security checkpoint.

A Secret Service agent was struck and taken to hospital, where he was stabilised — his bulletproof vest credited with saving his life.

Around 90 minutes after the incident, Trump — still dressed in black tie — addressed the press at the White House, stating that a suspect was in custody and appeared to be a "lone wolf." He described the suspect as a "very sick person."

The Suspect: Cole Tomas Allen

The man apprehended at the scene was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California. According to a law enforcement source, Allen told investigators he had been targeting Trump administration officials — not Trump specifically — though he largely declined to answer questions following his arrest.

Allen was described as a tutor and amateur video game developer, and held a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from 2017. A former lecturer, computer science professor Bill Tang at California State University-Dominguez Hills, described him as "a very good student, always sitting in the first row, soft spoken, very polite, a good fellow — I am very shocked to see the news."

US federal campaign finance records showed Allen had donated $25 to the Democratic Party in 2024 in support of Kamala Harris. In the early hours of Sunday, the FBI and Secret Service searched a property connected with Allen in Torrance, a suburb of Los Angeles.

The Third Attempt in Less Than Two Years

Saturday's incident marks the third attempt on Donald Trump's life within less than two years in office:

1. A sniper attack in Pennsylvania — Trump was struck in the ear
2. A targeting incident in Florida while Trump was playing golf
3. Saturday's events at the Washington Hilton

World Leaders React

The condemnations came swiftly from across the globe:

• Emmanuel Macron (France): "The armed attack targeting the president of the United States last night is unacceptable. Violence has no place in a democracy. I extend my full support to Donald Trump."
• Keir Starmer (UK): "Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is a huge relief that the President, the First Lady and all those attending are safe."
• Mark Carney (Canada): "I am relieved that the president, the first lady, and all guests are safe."

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were due to arrive in Washington on Monday for a state visit. Discussions were underway between Buckingham Palace, the UK government and the White House about whether elements of the visit should be altered as security arrangements were reviewed.

This article is based on reporting from Spain in English, published April 26–27, 2026. Investigations are ongoing.