New Evidence Confirms Cole Allen Shot Secret Service Agent in Trump Assassination Attempt

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro disclosed that Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Association dinner shooting, fired the bullet that struck a Secret Service agent during his attempt to breach the Washington Hilton ballroom last weekend.

This revelation comes amid ongoing legal proceedings where Allen's defense team has filed a motion to remove him from suicide precautions in custody, arguing that such measures infringe on his constitutional rights and hinder his ability to prepare a defense.

Ballistics Confirm Allen Shot Secret Service Agent

Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," Jeanine Pirro revealed new ballistics evidence showing a buckshot pellet from the Mossberg pump-action shotgun carried by Allen was embedded in the protective vest of the Secret Service agent. This confirms that Allen fired the shot that hit the agent during the attack.

"It is definitively his bullet. He had every intention to kill him and anyone who got in his way on his way to killing the president of the United States."—Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

Allen faces federal charges including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The shooting incident marked the third assassination attempt on President Trump since 2024.

Legal Battle Over Suicide Precautions in Custody

Allen's attorneys filed an emergency motion requesting his removal from suicide watch and precautions while imprisoned. They argue that Allen has shown no signs of suicidality and that continued placement on suicide precautions amounts to punishment and violates his due process rights under the U.S. Constitution.

• Allen's lawyers state he was assessed by a jail nurse on May 1 and deemed fit to be removed from suicide watch.
• Despite this, Allen remains under suicide precautions, limiting his access to visitors, phone calls, commissary, and legal resources.
• The defense contends these restrictions impede Allen's ability to mount an effective defense.

A court hearing is scheduled for Monday at noon to address the emergency motion regarding Allen's suicide precautions status.

Context of the White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting

The shooting occurred at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, attended by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other high-ranking officials. The attack left one Secret Service agent shot but uninjured.

Allen, a 31-year-old from California, has been in custody since the night of the shooting and waived his right to challenge his detention recently.

Looking Ahead: Potential Additional Charges and Legal Proceedings

While it remains unclear if the confirmation that Allen shot the agent will lead to new charges, prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

The case remains under close watch given its implications for national security and the ongoing threat to the president's safety.