MAGA warrior Kari Lake and plenty of other attendees Saturday night criticized the lack of robust security at the Washington Hilton after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner with President Donald Trump in attendance.
But Lake, the senior advisor to the United States Agency for Global Media, was not alone in questioning how a gunman could have made it so close to Trump, first lady Melania, Vice President JD Vance and nearly the entire line of succession to the U.S. presidency.
“I can’t believe how lax the security was at the White House correspondents dinner tonight,” Lake posted on X. “Upon entering, nobody asked to visibly INSPECT my ticket nor asked for my photo identification.”
The tickets for the dinner, which is hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association, did not have specific names. In addition, attendees only had to go through one round of magnetometers for the actual ballroom where the dinner took place, but not for the hotel building as a whole.
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Authorities named the suspected shooter as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California. He is in custody after being tackled to the ground while allegedly firing one of his weapons.
“I can’t believe how lax the security was at the White House correspondents dinner tonight,” Kari Lake posted on X after the gunshots rang out. (AP)
By contrast, to attend many of the pre-parties and after parties around DC ahead of and during the big weekend, attendees often have to be on a list, have their name checked or present a photo identification.
Similarly, Mads Campbell, CEO of Leda Health, said there was “no bag check. no real screening. no line. just thousands of people packed together, being pushed through the doors as fast as possible.”
She wrote: “It started the second we got there. every event we’ve ever been to, especially at this level, there are layers of security. bags checked, IDs checked, actual process.” She said that she left early because “my best friend literally turns to me and says, ‘I think something is going to happen.’ And then it did”
Caty Payette, a communications director for Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), echoed the sentiment.
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“I was there this evening and there was no security to be admitted to the lobby of the hotel,” she said on X. “Guests had to simply flash a ticket to a pre-event party or the dinner itself to be let into the premises, which in hindsight was alarming.”
CNN’s Wolf Blitzer was feet away as the shooter opened fire and was tackled to the ground by Secret Service (AFP/Getty)
But reporter Carolina Lumetta had a different perspective.
“I was there. I had to show my ticket in the hotel lobby,” she said. “Then I went downstairs a flight of stairs and went through a security mag and had my purse searched. Then we went down one more flight of stairs (where the gunman was apprehended), and entered the ballroom.”
CNN reporter Wolf Blitzer, who was feet away from the shooter when he opened fire in the lobby, said that there had been additional security and noted how security threw him down and tackled him as the shooting began.
The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s remarks — was immediately evacuated. Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not immediately reenter. Security outside was also extremely tight.
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Republican Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, a guest at the dinner, said he heard a pop and “we didn’t know what the hell it was. And then you heard all sorts of things clatter.” Lawler said he gets “death threats often” and said, “I think we live in a climate where everybody recognizes it’s a problem, but I don’t think people fully appreciate how much of a problem it really is.”
Video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents ran toward him. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but was recovering, officials said. The gunman was tackled to the ground and was not injured, but was being evaluated at a hospital, police said.
Inside the ballroom, guests scurried for cover at the sound of shots while Secret Service agents, including the heavily-armed counterassault team, swarmed the stage after the incident.
Vice President JD Vance was removed from the room first, while agents initially covered Trump in place before escorting him and first lady Melania Trump from the room. Trump briefly stumbled on the way offstage, before being assisted by his security detail.
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Law enforcement personnel detain Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (Reuters)
He was held for some time in a secure presidential suite at the hotel as the president and organizers initially sought to resume the event — hotel staff refolded napkins and refilled water glasses, and aides adjusted the teleprompter for the president — before Trump was returned to the White House on the advice of the Secret Service.
The shooting raises serious security concerns. Generally, the Hilton hotel, where the dinner has taken place for years, remains open to regular guests during the correspondents’ dinner, and security has typically been focused on the ballroom rather than the hotel at large, with little screening for people not entering the dinner itself. In past years, that has created openings for disruptions in the lobby and other public spaces, including protests in which security moved to remove guests who unfurled banners or staged demonstrations.
In 1981, a John Hinckley Jr. opened fire and almost killed President Ronald Reagan at the same hotel.
In addition, during the 2024 campaign, the president had two separate attempts on his life.
After the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024, where a gunman shot Trump, Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle reasigned. Secret Service has long been plagued by scandal, such as in 2012, when Secret Service agents hired sex workers in Colombia.
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In 2014, the agency received additional scrutiny when a man jumped the fence of the White House. Shortly thereafter, two drunk Secret Service agents would be investigated for drunkenly driving a government car into a White House barricade.
After last night’s shooting, security for King Charles will likely be upped (Picture: Reuters)
King Charles’ state visit to the United States is set to go ahead in just a few days, but security measures for the royal are under review after the shooting in Washingon DC last night.
An apparent would-be assassin stormed a dinner event where Donald Trump was preparing to address top US journalists last night.
Gunshots rang out at the hotel where the formal White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place, with one Secret Service agent hit but ‘in good spirits’, the President said.
Speaking about the attack, chief secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News today: ‘As you would imagine, with His Majesty the King, this week our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.
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He added: ‘As you would imagine, the government and the Palace were in close cooperation with American counterparts in advance of the visit anyway, and further discussions will be taking place today, ahead of next week.’
The King and Queen are due to visit the US for a state visit at the end of April.
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Last September, the UK hosted Trump and Melania for a state visit (Picture: Reuters)
The president has promised them ‘a beautiful banquet dinner’ and revealed the ‘historic state visit’ will take place over four days from April 27-30 – despite Buckingham Palace deciding not to release the exact dates in its own official announcement.
‘I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!,’ Trump said at the time of the announcement.
It’s expected that the Americans will roll out the red carpet for the King, despite celebrating 250 years without British rule.
Trump will also likely give a tour to Charles around the White House – though he was quick to say that he won’t show off as many historic items to the King.
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During his state visit this year, Trump joked, ‘You know what? I’m going to treat you to a state dinner, you can come to the US, and I’m not going to drag you around the Lincoln Memorial. You can just have dinner and then go to bed.’
The historic state visit will mark the 250th anniversary of the USA (Picture: Getty)
The transatlantic trip will be subject to the King being well enough, with the 77-year-old head of state currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Charles was last in Washington, DC, for the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in Washington, but he’s met many Presidents.
He is expected to be joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, for the landmark visit.
Charles has made more than a dozen overseas trips since becoming King, including state visits to France, Italy and Kenya.
The beach provides a quieter seaside spot than some of its more popular neighbours
A beach under two hours away from Cambridge has been named as one of the best in the UK by Condé Nast. Walberswick Beach, on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is a sandy and shingle beach is known for its majestic dunes, and being a popular spot for crabbing.
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This beach offers a quiet alternative for those looking to spend some time relaxing in the rays, unlike neighbouring Southwold which tends to be a much busier spot.
Condé Nast wrote: “For a classically British beach, plan a trip to the rugged shores of Walberswick. With wild grassy dunes and rolling sandy stretches spilling into frothy waves, it’s a brilliant place for a foodie seaside trip.”
There are plenty of pubs offering crisp refreshments and the classic fish and chips. Although, if you are looking for a broader variety, Condé Nast also recommends visitors to Walberswick hop aboard Dani Church’s row-boat ferry across the river to the excellent “plethora of fish restaurants” in Southwold.
Talking of pubs, Walberswick is home to two – The Bell Inn and The Anchor. The Bell Inn is over 600 years old and offers a range of food and drink and has a large beer garden to make the most of your time in the sunshine. This lovely establishment recommends tourists try a sea swim for breakfast like “the locals do” as well as taking buckets and bait to attract some crabs in the “unofficial home of crabbing”.
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The Anchor is an award-winning inn and restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced produce to serve up a range of dishes. Some items on offer at this pretty establishment include oysters from West Mersea, smoked fish from Lowestoft, Jimmy Butler’s Blythburgh pork, Red Poll Beef reared in nearby Westleton, and vegetables from local farms and their own allotment.
Walberswick is also a picturesque place to take a leisurely walk in the fresh air and Dunwich isn’t too far if you are feeling extra adventurous.
Asked if there are any extra concerns for the King’s safety during the state visit that begins on Monday, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.”
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos on Saturday night after an attempted attack, which saw shots fired, prompting the US President to be swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents along with other senior members of his administration.
Speaking about the attempted attack, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told Sky News: “As you would imagine, with His Majesty the King, this week our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.”
Asked by the BBC whether further security measures will be put in place ahead of the visit, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the government and the Palace were in close cooperation with American counterparts in advance of the visit anyway, and further discussions will be taking place today, ahead of next week.”
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King Charles III will visit the United States next week (Getty)
Pressed on the issue, he said: “There will be appropriate security in place in relation to the risk, yes.”
He also said the prime minister, who has had an increasingly fractious relationship with the US president as a result of the UK’s refusal to be dragged into the Iran war, has sent a message to Mr Trump “in solidarity” after the incident.
“These are remarkable scenes. The prime minister has this morning sent a message to the President of the United States in solidarity for the events that took place”, Mr Jones said.
And in a statement on social media, Sir Keir Starmer wrote: “I am shocked by the scenes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington overnight.
“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.”
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The suspect, said to have been carrying a shotgun and handgun, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
He is understood to have been a guest in the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was being held. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said additional charges will be filed.
The president posted pictures on his Truth Social platform of the alleged assailant handcuffed on the ground following his detention, and described him as a “lone wolf whack job”.
Donald Trump claimed the gunman was a ‘lone wolf whack job’ (Reuters)
Mr Trump – who was attending the annual dinner for the first time as president – vowed to reschedule the disrupted event at a late-night press conference following the shooting, which he said had “unified” political opponents and the media.
The state visit, which begins at the end of the month, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and herald the start of celebrations across the US, with Charles and Camilla marking the milestone at a “block party”.
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The first time Charles and Camilla will meet the president and the first lady will be at a private tea, captured by cameras only.
Later, Mr Trump and the King will sit down for talks in the White House’s famous Oval Office while Camilla and Melania Trump take part in an event together.
Buckingham Palace said it does not comment on security matters.
The Red Roses jamboree roared into Bristol, attracting a record crowd for their third consecutive match at this Six Nations and bringing with it a sea of white shirts, red cowgirl hats and rose-petal headwear galore. And, most importantly, tries.
Fresh from crossing 12 times against Scotland at Murrayfield last week, England scored another 10 tries in a 62-24 victory over Wales – a result that leaves John Mitchell’s side top of the table with maximum points from three matches.
With a fifth consecutive Triple Crown secured, they remain on course for a record eighth straight Women’s Six Nations title.
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Impressive statistics. But attack coach Emily Scarratt told BBC Two the dressing room was a little “muted” after the game.
Yes, England won comfortably and without ever losing control to extend their record unbeaten run to 36 Tests, but this wasn’t the steamrollering many expected, with Wales – to use Mitchell’s word – “surprising” them.
The visitors scored four tries – including two in the final 10 minutes as England’s concentration wandered – to pick up a valuable bonus point, and twice profited after bamboozling England with their line-out routine.
England were, at times, guilty of poor discipline – giving away nine penalties – and sloppy handling. Improvements will need to be made by the time they face title rivals France in round five.
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“You’re always in a Test match when you play a team like Wales,” said Scarratt. “I thought they really brought it today and posed some different challenges for us, which is pretty awesome in our development.
“We still got a pretty good job done. There’s a muted sense in the group, which is obviously a really good feeling when you put a score on like that.”
But while Wales fired a couple of warning shots, this was another routine win for England and one that does little to assuage concerns the Six Nations is too predictable and their dominance may not benefit themselves and the game.
Little T-Rex is searching for a new home after being returned to kennels on numerous occasions through no fault of his own – earning him the title of one of the unluckiest dogs in the world
An adorable dog has been dubbed one of the ‘unluckiest’ in the world after being returned to kennels. T-Rex has been in and out of rescue shelters for the last four years through no fault of his own – and is again searching for a forever family.
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The 11-year-old has been described as a “sweet and gentle boy”, who has been extremely unlucky in his life. On TikTok, @seeandsavethedog said: “Volunteer favourite T-Rex has a heartbreaking story. This sweet and gentle 11-year-old guy has been in and out of the shelter numerous times since 2022 because his owner struggles with housing instability.
“Most recently he was turned in right before Christmas because the person stated they lost their housing. Poor T-Rex spent Christmas in the shelter, and has been waiting here ever since.
“The shelter is hard on any dog, but it is especially hard on seniors. T-Rex recently got an eye infection and recovered, and we hate to think of him stuck in a cold concrete cell during these rain storms.”
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The Los Angeles shelter in the US explained how T-Rex has a few jumps and skin issues and could do with some TLC.
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They added: “This guy is super mellow – he loves to roll on his back in the warm grass, soak up all the pets from his volunteer friends, and has done well with other dogs in playgroups (slow intros always recommended).
“We’re hoping that someone who can give him the love, stability, and attention he needs in his golden years sees this video and falls in love like we did!”
Commenting on his rehoming appeal, one user said: “Poor baby. I hope he gets a loving home.”
Another added: “He needs a loving home.”
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A third chimed in: “Loving arms to hold him close to the heart.”
One more person exclaimed: “OMG. He is adorable. Let’s find his fam.”
Sharing their expert advice, Dogs Trust explained the number one step new owners should take when welcoming a rescue dog into your home.
A statement reads: “While most puppies are relaxed and inquisitive, adult dogs may be worried when they arrive at your home.
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“You may find they hide at first and don’t seem to want to interact with you. Don’t worry – this is perfectly normal. To help them relax you should let them go at their own pace.
“Allow them to spend time on their own without disruptions and come to you when they are ready. They may come over and look at you, sit nearby or drop a toy at your feet.
“Avoid any visitors to the home during this time and make sure it is calm and quiet, so they get familiar with their new surroundings in peace.”
If you’re interested in rehoming T-Rex, contact North Central Animal Services Center via laanimalservices.com.
On Sunday, Ukraine marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Reactor number 4 at the plant exploded on 26 April 1986, spewing out radioactive material that would spread across swathes of Europe.
The official death toll from the incident in Chornobyl – as it is known in Ukrainian – is 31, but the wider impact of the accident remains contested and difficult to determine.
In 2005, a study by several UN agencies concluded 4,000 people could die as a result of the accident. Other estimates suggest the number could be higher.
The BBC’s Jessica Parker visited the nearby city of Pripyat where Chernobyl’s workers lived, but was abandoned shortly after the disaster.
An annual Washington DC dinner descended in chaos after the Donald Trump was evacuated and guests hid under tables after shots were fired late on Saturday night
09:51, 26 Apr 2026Updated 09:53, 26 Apr 2026
Trump and JD Vance evacuated from dinner after gunshot
Mayhem took over the annual White House correspondents’ dinner when a gunman stormed the lobby outside the ballroom and Donald Trump was swiftly evacuated.
A Secret Service agent was shot at close-range but he survived due to his bulletproof vest, while guests inside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton Hotel dived under tables. Trump wad uninjured and quickly rushed off stage as shots were fired. Police later identified the shooting suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. Cops added the man was armed with multiple weapons, including a handgun, shotgun and multiple knives.
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At a press conference after the attack, Trump described the suspect as a “lone wolf whack job”.
8:35pm: The incident unfolded at around 8:35pm local time (1:35am UK time) as shots were heard in the hotel and guests were told to take cover. The Secret Service rushed to the US President and quickly removed him from the stage.
9:17pm: The US President posts on Truth Social for the first time since the incident and revealed the suspected gunman “has been apprehended”. He said: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job.”
9:36pm: Trump said law enforcement officials told the President to leave the hotel “which we will do, immediately”. In a post, he said: “The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition.”
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10:29pm: The President shared CCTV footage online from the hotel lobby, outside the ballroom where 2,500 guests were present, which appeared to show the suspect running past several officers and towards the hall. Trump also shared images of the suspect being detained inside the hotel.
10:30pm: Trump held a news conference from the White House and said the suspect was a “lone wolf whack job”. The President was joined at the news conference by FBI chief Kash Patel and Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche.
10:50pm: The suspect was named as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from California, by US media outlets.
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11:10pm: Images from Torrance, California, showed police searching a home believed to be linked to the suspect as dozens of cops were pictured outside the property late at night.
11:15pm: The US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said authorities plan to formally charge the suspect in court on Monday with several offences, including using a firearm during a crime of violence.
It was the third time since 2024 that the president had been under threat by an attacker in his immediate vicinity – including the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, that injured him and killed a local firefighter.
Trump, after the attack, said: “Today we need levels of security that probably nobody has ever seen before.” He also said: “We’re not going to let anybody take over our society.”
Misinformation about the Epsom incident began to circulate online, with many accounts on social media making false suggestions the suspects were asylum seekers or migrants. Others commented that they were distressed by reports of such a serious crime taking place in their local area, and expressed support for the alleged victim.
LK Bennett, founded back in the 90s, entered administration in January, with John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP appointed joint administrators.
Immediately following their appointment, the LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property were sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland.
However, LK Bennett’s nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores were not included in the deal, leaving them at risk of closing.
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Its website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”
All LK Bennett stores “are now closed”
All LK Bennett stores have now closed, according to the retailer’s website.
In an Instagram post on Saturday (April 25), the fashion retailer said: “We’re nearly at the end.
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“With only 2 days remaining, tomorrow is your last moment to shop our collections in-store with everything up to 90% off.”
“Our boutiques will remain open today as long as stock lasts, but once it’s gone, our doors will close.”
But it appears all stock has been sold, as the LK Bennett website reads: “Website and stores are now closed.”
Full list of LK Bennett stores
The full list of LK Bennett stores that have closed is:
Stand-alone stores
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Lower Guildhall Mall (Bluewater)
Canary Wharf (London)
Eastgate Square Shopping Centre (Chester)
Duke of York Square (London)
Harrogate
Knightsbridge (London)
New Bond Street (London)
Richmond
White City Westfield (London)
Concession stores
Arnotts (Dublin)
The Bentall Centre (Kingston upon Thames)
Brown Thomas (Dublin)
De Gruchy (Jersey)
Hoopers (Tunbridge Wells)
Hoopers (Wilmslow)
Jarrold (Norwich)
John Lewis (Edinburgh)
John Lewis (High Wycombe)
John Lewis – Oxford Street (London)
John Lewis (Manchester)
John Lewis (Oxford)
John Lewis (Cheadle)
‘Very sad day’ – shoppers react to closure of LK Bennett stores
Shoppers were quick to react to the closure of the remaining LK Bennett stores, taking to the Instagram post to share their thoughts.
One person commented: “Very sad day indeed. I will miss the lovely collection and the staff who was always attentive no matter which boutique you shopped.”
Another added: “Very sad day for the high street and more importantly the staff who have worked their shoes! Off- good luck to all of you.”
Other major UK companies that have closed or entered administration in 2026
It has been a tough start to 2026 for the UK high street, with a wide range of businesses entering administration or closing down.
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Major high street retailers have been forced to close stores, including:
Several other retailers have fallen into administration, including:
Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have closed in 2026:
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EcoJet Airlines, billed as “the world’s first Electric Airline”, also entered liquidation after just three years, resulting in the cancellation of all planned flights.
It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.
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It’s not been all bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.
Are you saddened by the closure of all LK Bennett stores? Let us know in the comments below.
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