New Surveillance Footage Reveals Cole Allen’s Attempted Assassination of Trump at White House Dinner

Surveillance footage released by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro exposes Cole Tomas Allen’s movements as he prepared and attempted to breach security at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The video captures Allen casing the hotel a day before and then charging through a Secret Service checkpoint armed with a shotgun, moments before gunfire erupted.

This incident forced the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other high-profile attendees, highlighting a serious breach attempt at a major political event. Allen, a 31-year-old Caltech graduate from California, faces multiple charges including attempted assassination of the President, underscoring the ongoing investigation into this alarming security threat.

Surveillance Video Details Pre-Attack Movements

The footage, captured by cameras at the Washington Hilton, shows Allen on April 24 walking through a hallway and entering a gym adjacent to the area where the attack would later occur. The next evening, he is seen wearing a long coat, walking the same hallway shortly before the White House Correspondents' Dinner began.

Attempted Breach at Secret Service Checkpoint

On April 25, Allen approached a Secret Service checkpoint set up to screen attendees. The video shows him suddenly sprinting through the checkpoint armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. A Secret Service officer immediately drew his handgun and fired multiple rounds as Allen charged past, with other agents quickly responding and subduing him.

• Allen carried a shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol, ammunition, and several knives and daggers.
• One Secret Service agent was struck by gunfire but was protected by body armor and sustained no serious injuries.
• The shotgun had one spent shell, confirming it was fired during the incident.

Legal Proceedings and Charges Against Allen

Allen has been charged with attempted assassination of President Trump, illegal transportation of firearms and ammunition across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He has waived his right to challenge his detention for now, though his attorney reserves the right to contest it later.

"There is no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire. The video also shows Allen casing the area in the Hilton Hotel the day before the attack. My office along with the FBI will continue this extensive investigation to bring Cole Allen to justice.",—U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro

Implications and Ongoing Investigation

The incident has raised serious concerns about security at high-profile political events. President Trump, who was present at the dinner, was evacuated safely. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the suspect’s motives, with a focus on preventing future threats.