White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang announced Monday that the Washington Hilton donated roughly 2,600 meals that went unserved after Saturday's annual dinner was interrupted by a gunman. In a post on X, Jiang explained that hotel staff freeze-dried the steak and lobster to extend their shelf life before delivering them to two shelters serving abused women and children.
Jiang, a senior White House correspondent for CBS News, also expressed a “HUGE thank you to the staff that worked through the night under terrible circumstances.” The Hill has sought comment from the Washington Hilton.
The shooting occurred shortly after the salad course, when an armed man breached a security checkpoint one floor above the ballroom where President Trump, administration officials, members of Congress, and journalists were gathered. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen, was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate Trump, transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
According to a manifesto confirmed by an administration official, Allen allegedly targeted White House officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest” and referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin.” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro added a fourth charge of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, noting that a Secret Service officer was struck but saved by a bulletproof vest.
The suspect did not enter a plea. He is due in court Thursday for a detention hearing, with a preliminary hearing set for May 11 unless a grand jury returns an indictment sooner. The incident has raised serious questions about security at the annual event, prompting calls for reforms. FBI Chief Patel has vowed an overhaul of WHCA dinner security, and Senator Grassley has scheduled a Secret Service briefing on the lapses.
As for the dinner itself, Jiang said the WHCA board “will be meeting to assess what happened and determine how to proceed” and will provide updates when available. President Trump told reporters he wants the dinner rescheduled within 30 days.
The donation of the meals, while a small silver lining, underscores the abrupt and violent end to an evening intended to celebrate the relationship between the press and the presidency. The WHCA now faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and security for future events.
