White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Attack Video Released
Federal prosecutors on Thursday released surveillance footage showing the dramatic moment authorities say an armed suspect attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in an alleged plot targeting President Donald Trump.
The video was shared by Washington, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro amid ongoing questions about how a Secret Service officer was injured during the chaotic incident. Officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, who allegedly rushed through a security checkpoint armed with both firearms and knives.
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According to prosecutors, Allen ran through a magnetometer before pointing a weapon at a Secret Service agent. The agent responded by firing multiple shots. While earlier reports indicated the officer had been struck in a bullet-resistant vest, authorities now say there is no evidence suggesting the injury was caused by friendly fire. However, the exact moment Allen discharged his weapon remains unclear in the footage.
The incident occurred Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, disrupting one of the most high-profile annual gatherings in the U.S. capital. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, Allen was injured but not struck by gunfire.
During a court appearance Thursday, Allen agreed to remain in custody pending trial and did not enter a plea.
Secret Service Director Sean Curran defended the agency’s security measures, emphasizing that the threat was neutralized within seconds at the outer perimeter of a layered security system. He noted that multiple barriers and armed personnel stood between the checkpoint and the ballroom where Trump was.
“The site was set up perfectly,” Curran said, underscoring confidence in the existing security protocols.
The nearly six-minute video also shows Allen pacing a hotel hallway the day before the attack and briefly entering the gym. At the time of the breach, several officers appeared to be dismantling equipment near the checkpoint when Allen suddenly sprinted toward them, catching many off guard.
Court documents reveal that Allen had taken a photo of himself shortly before the incident while equipped with an ammunition bag, shoulder holster, and knife. Investigators also cited messages in which Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed grievances linked to Trump administration policies.
Defense attorneys argue that the government’s case relies heavily on assumptions about Allen’s intent, noting that his writings did not explicitly mention Trump. They have left open the possibility of requesting his release before trial.
Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of president and firearms offenses. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
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