Attempted Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
On the evening of April 25, gunfire erupted near the security screening area of the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton. President Donald Trump, the first lady, the vice president, and cabinet members were evacuated by the U.S. Secret Service. A 31‑year‑old suspect, Cole Tomas Allen of California, was arrested at the scene. He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives and acted alone, according to law enforcement. One Secret Service officer was shot in the chest but survived due to wearing a ballistic vest. No civilians or officials were killed. That story alone would be “the” major news event of any given month, but there were several other stories in April that should be noted.
Shreveport, Louisiana Mass Shooting – Eight Children Killed (April 19, 2026). This was the deadliest mass shooting in the U.S. in more than two years. A gunman killed eight children, seven of whom were his own, in a domestic‑violence‑related attack spanning multiple homes. Two adult women were critically injured. The suspect fled, carjacked a vehicle, and was ultimately killed during a police pursuit.
The case sparked renewed national debate over the intersection of domestic violence and firearm access. Federal prosecutors later charged additional individuals accused of illegally supplying the firearm.
Spike in Mass Shootings Nationwide Analysts and law‑enforcement officials noted a sharp 40–45% year‑over‑year increase compared with early 2025.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – 1 dead, 5 injured at a shopping mall. Winston‑Salem, North Carolina – multiple teens killed and wounded. Chicago, Illinois; Anchorage, Alaska; New Jersey; Mississippi; California – multiple shootings with four or more victims.
With the craziness of the 24 hours news cycle, it is easy to get overwhelmed and overly concerned with the perceived direction of our country and society. However an inciteful social media share from a mentor and friend Dave Spaulding, helps put things in perspective.
“**The world is not coming to an end and the country is not collapsing. We have been through crazy times before and we will again…..The fact is, there are operatives who are trying to drive a wedge for political purposes. There is political advantage…i.e “power”… to be gained and money to be made by doing so. **
Don’t fall into it! Summer is almost here and the weather is getting warmer. Enjoy the world around you, not the craziness in the political hotspots. Tranquility can be found all around you and it won’t be found in the network news shows. They are driven by ratings…and money.
Funny thing is that most of the people who I know that train to a high level with firearms, and other types of training seem to be less stressed in times of uncertainty. Probably because they plan for uncertainty…. This type of training, when combined with spiritual fitness make life more tranquil. We have seen turbulent times before and we will see them again. Instead of focusing on the negative things, spend time preparing for the unexpected and you will find yourself less stressed.
