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Security camera footage released by Jeanine Pirro shows Cole Tomas Allen running through a checkpoint and shooting a federal agent at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
The video captures Allen running through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel.
UPDATED: May 1, 2026 07:56 IST
A security footage released by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro on Thursday shows the moment Cole Tomas Allen began his attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25.
The video captures Allen running through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel and allegedly shooting an agent at point-blank range. Reuters verified the location using details such as the floor design, windows, doors and gym, which matched archive imagery of the hotel. The date was confirmed through a visible timestamp and reporting on the incident.
US President Donald Trump and the head of the Secret Service said on Thursday that the federal agent injured in the attack was not hit by friendly fire.
Authorities have charged Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, with attempting to assassinate Trump after he opened fire at the high-profile Washington event. He faces multiple federal charges and could receive a life sentence if convicted.
Allen appeared in Washington federal court wearing a blue jail-issued outfit, with his hands cuffed behind his back as US Marshals escorted him. He did not respond to the allegations during the brief hearing but told the court he holds a master’s degree in computer science. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said Allen “attempted to assassinate the president of the United States,” underscoring the seriousness of the case.
Authorities said Allen brought multiple weapons to Washington, including a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and three knives. He also faces charges of illegally transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a weapon during a violent crime.
US Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Allen to remain in custody until at least Thursday, when the court will decide whether to detain him pending trial. Defence lawyer Tezira Abe said Allen has no prior criminal record.
Investigators said Allen sent a message to family members referring to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlining plans to target senior Trump administration officials. Officials believe the president may have been among his intended targets.
Court documents show Allen booked a room at the Washington Hilton and travelled from California by train in the days leading up to the attack.
The shooting caused panic at the black-tie event, with attendees diving under tables as security personnel evacuated senior officials. Trump, who was scheduled to speak, was quickly escorted off stage after gunfire erupted.
According to an FBI affidavit, Allen ran through a security checkpoint carrying a long gun. A Secret Service officer confronted him, and during the chaos, an agent was shot in the chest but survived due to a ballistic vest.
Officials described the suspect’s capture as a law enforcement success, but the incident has renewed concerns about political violence in the United States. Trump has previously survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 presidential campaign.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said violence “has no place in civil life,” while federal prosecutors indicated that additional charges against Allen are likely.
Authorities took Allen to a local hospital for evaluation after the incident. He is expected to face further court proceedings in the coming days.
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Published By:
Akshat Trivedi
Published On:
May 1, 2026 07:56 IST
