Political leaders in California expressed relief that no one was hurt Saturday at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner attended by President Donald Trump as a gunman fired shots while trying to enter the ballroom.

Both Democrats and Republicans said they were grateful no one was seriously injured.

A man identified as Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, tried to enter the ballroom at the Washington Hilton hotel where the event was being held, The Sacramento Bee reported. He shot a Secret Service agent but hit his bulletproof vest before being tackled and arrested.

Trump and other high-profile attendees were evacuated from the event, which was later canceled.

“Relieved everyone at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe tonight based on initial reports,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, on X. “A free press is foundational to our country. Violence is never acceptable.”

“The quick actions of the Secret Service and local law enforcement seem to have prevented horrific tragedy tonight in Washington,” said Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., on X. “Grateful for their dedication, and I continue to monitor the situation with my team. Political violence has no place in our nation, and tonight must be a reminder of how badly we need to put a stop to it.”

“Disturbed by the reports of attempted gun violence at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Grateful for law enforcement officials’ swift action,” Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said on X. “Praying for all in attendance, servers, cooks, and all hotel staff to get home safely.”

“It is a great relief that the President, First Lady and everyone in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe following a terrifying act of violence inside the venue,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on X. “The brave men and women of the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement are to be commended for their swift action to secure the scene and protect those present.”

“As someone whose family has suffered political violence, my prayers are with the injured officer and all those affected by the trauma of these horrible incidents,” Pelosi said. Her husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked by a hammer-wielding intruder in their home in 2022.

“This is the reality of what @realDonaldTrump faces every day — and for years before that,” said Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., on X. “This is a man of uncommon courage. I was there at the event tonight. And I’ll be there again or anywhere else to support this president.”

“Amanda and I are at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner tonight,” Rep. Vince Fong, R-Calif., said on X. “We are safe and thank God for the safety of President Trump and everyone else in attendance. We don’t have all the facts but are incredibly grateful for all the brave Secret Service agents and law enforcement officers who ran towards danger to protect others.”

“I’m thankful President Trump and everyone attending the White House Correspondents Dinner tonight were not harmed,” Rep. Ken Calvert, D-Calif., said on X. “Our law enforcement heroes once again put themselves in harm’s way and acted bravely to keep others safe. So many people at the dinner, including President Trump, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Erica Kirk, and others, have already had their lives touched by political violence. These acts of evil have no place in our democracy.”

_____

©2026 The Sacramento Bee. Visit sacbee.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.