Video shows armed man firing at Secret Service agent during attempted breach at Washington event attended by top officials.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Newly released video evidence shows a gunman opening fire on a U.S. Secret Service agent during an attempted security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner held April 25 at the Washington Hilton.
The footage, shared by Jeanine Pirro, was posted on X and can be viewed here. It documents the actions of suspect Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who authorities say traveled from Torrance, California, and was staying at the hotel prior to the incident.
The video begins with scenes captured the night before the event, showing Allen moving through areas of the hotel in what investigators described as preparatory behavior. It then transitions to the evening of the dinner, focusing on a security checkpoint inside the venue near the ballroom.
At the time of the incident, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet officials, lawmakers, and members of the media were present.
The footage shows Allen emerging suddenly through a doorway and moving toward the checkpoint carrying what appears to be a shotgun. He raises the weapon and fires at close range, striking a Secret Service agent wearing protective gear. The agent, who was hit in a bulletproof vest, returned fire as additional officers quickly responded and moved to detain the suspect.
Pirro stated in her post that the video had already been submitted in U.S. District Court proceedings and emphasized that there is no indication the incident involved friendly fire. “Today, we are releasing video already provided to U.S. District Court showing Cole Allen shoot a U.S. Secret Service officer during his attempt to assassinate the President at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” she wrote.
She added that her office, working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is continuing the investigation.
Allen was taken into custody at the scene and later appeared in court on Monday. Prosecutors have charged him with attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He has not entered a plea.
According to a source cited in reporting by CBS News, a total of six shots were fired during the encounter. The suspect allegedly discharged one round, while the injured agent fired five in response after being struck.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the suspect’s motive as the investigation continues.