Newly released surveillance video has shown Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump, shooting a Secret Service officer during a breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last Saturday.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro posted the footage on Thursday, April 30. It comes from cameras inside the Washington Hilton hotel, where the annual event took place on April 25, 2026.
The video has two main parts, one clip, recorded the day before the dinner on April 24, shows 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen walking through the hotel. Prosecutors say this was him casing the location ahead of the attack.
The second clip shows the moment on April 25 when Allen rushed a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun.
According to the video released by Pirro’s office, Allen fired the shotgun and struck a Secret Service officer in the vest. The officer is expected to recover.
Pirro said the footage clears up early reports that suggested the officer might have been hit by friendly fire from other agents.
“There is no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire,” she stated.
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Allen, from Torrance, California, faces a federal charge of attempted assassination of the president.
He also faces gun-related charges. Prosecutors say he planned the attack for weeks.
Court records show Allen reserved a room at the Washington Hilton for the nights of April 24 through 26.
He traveled by train from California to Washington, D.C., and checked into the hotel on April 24.
On the night of the dinner, Allen tried to push past security near the ballroom where Trump and other officials were speaking.
Shots were fired during the confrontation before President Trump was rushed off stage unharmed. Guests ducked under tables as security moved quickly to lock down the area.
Allen was armed to kill
Pirro said that Allen had a pump-action shotgun, a handgun, and knives. According to prosecutors, a note he sent to family members just before the event suggested he wanted to attack Trump and people in his administration.
Allen appeared in federal court earlier this week and agreed to remain in custody while the case moves forward. His attorney has not yet entered a plea.
The FBI and Pirro’s office are still investigating the case. They are looking at Allen’s travel, his activities in the hotel, and any online posts or messages that might show his planning or motive.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a major event in Washington that draws journalists, politicians, and celebrities.
This year’s gathering became chaotic when Allen breached security just as the program was underway.
Secret Service agents and other officers responded within seconds. One agent drew his weapon and fired as Allen advanced. The released video shows the quick response of security personnel.
Pirro called the response “swift and courageous” and said it stopped what could have been much worse.
“This was an attempted assassination of the president of the United States,” she said.
Allen worked as a high school tutor and had a background in mechanical engineering and computer science, according to reports. He has no prior criminal record mentioned in court filings.
Federal prosecutors say more charges could be filed as the investigation deepens. They are examining his digital records and any communications leading up to the night of April 25.
The incident has caused fresh questions about security at large events in Washington, even with the president receiving heavy protection.
Metal detectors and checkpoints were in place, but Allen still managed to approach the secure area with weapons.
The injured Secret Service officer was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries from the shotgun blast to his protective vest. Officials say he is in stable condition.
The case remains active. Allen is being held without bond for now. Prosecutors argue he poses a clear danger to the community if released.
