Trump says Melania looked ‘very upset’ over White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting
CBS News’ Norah O'Donnell: “When did you know something was wrong?”
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) April 26, 2026
President Trump: “Right around that point. In fact, you can see the expression on the first lady’s face.”
Norah O'Donnell: “[Melania Trump’s] face she looked very alarmed. Was she scared?”
President Trump:… pic.twitter.com/HICDi0cNym
WASHINGTON, DC: On Sunday, April 26, President Donald Trump appeared in an interview with CBS News’ Norah O'Donnell and spoke about how Melania Trump reacted to the gunfire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, noting how the incident left her worried.
President Trump said it was natural for the First Lady to feel upset, given the dangerous situation they faced.
Trump recalls Melania’s reaction after WHCD shooting
Trump explained that while people often hide their fear, the intensity of the moment was clear. "I don't want to say, and people don't like having it said that they were scared, but certainly, I mean, who wouldn't be when you have a situation like that?" he said.
He believes she quickly understood the danger, adding, "By that time, I think she realised, ahead of time, that was more of a bullet than it was a tray."
After watching a close-up video of the event, Trump described her visible distress. "I looked at her face just a little while ago before I came. I saw the scene. They played it for me, and, you know, pretty good close up," he mentioned.
He concluded by saying, "And, uh, she looked, uh, very upset about what just took place. Why not!"
Melania Trump’s look of panic when she realizes something is wrong is chilling. pic.twitter.com/xCMQ2sBQ3r
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) April 26, 2026
Authorities identify California man as suspected gunman
Following the chaos at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 25, authorities successfully identified and detained a suspect.
Reports shared on social media by Karol Markowicz named the individual as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California.
NEWS: The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent's Dinner is 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California and he is in custody.
— Karol Markowicz (@karol) April 26, 2026
Confirming the arrest, she noted, “The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent's Dinner is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, and he is in custody.”
Trump applauds security teams’ response after shooting
Meanwhile, Trump took to 'Truth Social' to applaud the swift actions of the security teams on-site.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely," he posted.
The President added, "The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement."
Trump says he spoke to the officer shot at the WHCD
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) April 26, 2026
"One officer was shot, but saved... the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great."pic.twitter.com/RsQxaokSy3
Officer saved by bulletproof vest after close-range attack
The incident resulted in one police officer being struck by gunfire, though Trump later confirmed the officer is "doing great. He's in great shape. He is, it's very high spirits."
Notably, the outcome could have been much more tragic if not for the officer's safety equipment, as Trump explained, "One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest."
He highlighted the severity of the attack, noting, "He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job."