Prosecutors have released a video depicting the moment an armed individual attempted to carry out an attack on the US president at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for Washington, shared the nearly six-minute video on social media, showcasing the alleged gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, pacing back and forth in a hallway and briefly exploring the hotel gym the day before the incident.
Security footage captured federal officers removing magnetometers as the alleged gunman suddenly appeared from a doorway and sprinted towards them. The officers seemed unaware of his approach until he was in close proximity. Only one officer in the video visibly drew his weapon before the gunman passed by; according to Pirro, this officer was the one who was shot and returned fire.
Initial reports suggested that the officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest during the altercation, but confirmation of Allen as the shooter was awaited. Pirro stated that there is no evidence of the officer being hit by friendly fire. Allen, a 31-year-old from California, sustained injuries but was not shot during the incident at the Washington Hilton, causing a commotion among attendees that included journalists and high-ranking officials.
Allen agreed to remain in custody pending trial after his appearance in federal court, where he refrained from entering a plea. Court documents revealed that Allen took a self-portrait in his hotel room just before the event, equipped with an ammunition bag, shoulder gun holster, and a sheathed knife. Describing himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin,” Allen expressed discontent over various actions of the Trump administration.
On Monday, Allen was charged with attempted assassination of the president and two firearm-related charges, including discharging a weapon during a violent act. If convicted of the assassination charge alone, he could face a life sentence.