Actor Ben Stiller is facing widespread online criticism after a tweet celebrating a New York Knicks victory was mistakenly interpreted as a reaction to a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Stiller, a lifelong Knicks fan, posted updates on social media Saturday evening about the team’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. When the Knicks secured an 114-98 win, he tweeted: “Got it done.”
The post was sent approximately 20 minutes after a gunman opened fire at the hotel hosting the annual black-tie event. The security breach resulted in President Donald Trump and his guests being evacuated from the venue.
MAGA supporters accused Stiller, who has been vocal in criticizing the Trump administration, of trivializing the violence. Republican lawmakers joined the backlash: lawmaker Nancy Mace replied with “Got what done?” and former Kennedy Center director Richard Grenell responded with “Wtf?”
Despite the social media controversy, there is no evidence linking Stiller’s tweet to the security incident.
Federal authorities have identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California. He was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Records indicate he purchased the pistol in October 2023 and the shotgun in August 2025.
Allen made his first appearance in federal court on Monday and is charged with attempting to kill Trump, as well as gun offenses including transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested the suspect’s motive was political, stating: “It does appear that he did have set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the President.”
One Secret Service agent was shot and injured but has since been released from the hospital. Local police confirmed no one suffered serious injuries.
The dinner event was canceled following the evacuation. Trump later addressed the incident on Truth Social, stating: “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job… The shooter has been apprehended.”
