US President Donald Trump was swiftly removed by the Secret Service during the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25 after an alleged assassin posed a significant threat. This marks the second assassination attempt Trump has faced while serving as president and the fifth since he launched his controversial political career.
The accused would-be assassin, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was subdued without major injury. However, previous attempts on Trump's life have resulted in injuries to Trump and fatalities among bystanders.
Previous Assassination Attempts
The alleged would-be assassins have been motivated by both far-right and far-left political ideologies, with incidents dating back to Trump's first presidential campaign in 2016.
Nevada Rally (2016)
The first assassination attempt occurred as Trump's popularity surged ahead of the 2016 election. During a rally in Las Vegas, 20-year-old British man Steven Sandford attempted to grab a pistol from a police officer providing security. Sandford had practiced firing a police-issue weapon at a Las Vegas gun range the day before but failed to remove the pistol from the officer's holster. He was promptly arrested, and Trump praised the officer, saying: "We love you, police. Thank you. Thank you, officers."
Sandford, who had overstayed a holiday visa, told two Secret Service agents he intended to kill Trump before he could be elected. However, his extensive history of mental illness led to charges of disorderly conduct and being an "illegal alien in possession of a firearm." He was sentenced to one year in prison. "I know saying sorry is not enough," he said during a court appearance. "I really do feel awful about what I did."
Pennsylvania Rally (2024)
Trump's first term passed without a serious assassination attempt, but the 2020 election dispute and January 6 riots raised political tensions. In July 2024, a rally in Pennsylvania became the closest Trump came to being killed. Twenty-year-old Thomas Crooks, positioned on a nearby building, fired eight shots from an assault rifle, killing 50-year-old former volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore and critically injuring two others. Trump suffered a minor injury to his right ear.
An image of Trump with a bloody ear, fist raised, and mouthing "fight" became a turning point for the 2024 election, which he won in a landslide. Crooks was shot dead by an anti-sniper team. Investigations revealed antisemitic and anti-immigrant messaging in his social media activity.
Florida Golf Course (2024)
Two months later, on September 15, 58-year-old Ryan Routh planned to kill Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Routh waited 12 hours before raising a firearm toward a Secret Service agent conducting a perimeter check. The agent opened fire, and Routh fled but was later captured. He was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole. A letter titled "Dear World" claimed the attempt was to stop Trump's re-election.
Mar-a-Lago (2026)
In February 2026, 21-year-old Austin Martin was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at Trump's Mar-a-Lago property. Martin's mother had reported him missing before he arrived armed with a shotgun and a gas can. His motivation remains unclear, as he appeared apolitical. Trump was not present at the time.
White House Correspondents' Dinner (2026)
The latest attempt occurred on April 25, 2026, as Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner for the first time during either term. Both Trump and Vice President JD Vance were quickly removed from the main dining area as gunshots rang out from the security screening area. The gunfire came from Secret Service agents trying to stop Cole Allen as he sprinted past them.
Allen was not hit by bullets and sustained only a knee injury. He was allegedly carrying knives, a semiautomatic pistol, and a shotgun, which police believe he fired once. He allegedly sent a manifesto to family members stating: "I am a citizen of the United States of America. What my representatives do reflects on me. I am no longer willing to permit a paedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes."
Allen has been charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence, transporting a firearm interstate with intent to commit a felony, and attempting to assassinate a US president.
