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Gunman rushes security checkpoint during Trump event
Prosecutors released CCTV footage on Thursday showing a man charging through a Washington Hilton checkpoint in four seconds while President Donald Trump attended a press gala.
Timeline of the attack
The video depicts nearly a dozen security agents stationed at a metal detector when a man in a long coat enters a doorway. Moments later, he reappears without the coat, sprinting with both hands gripping what appears to be a firearm. An affidavit states the coat concealed a 12-gauge shotgun.
An officer is seen firing toward the suspect, though it remains unclear whether the gunman discharged his weapon. Prosecutors allege the assailant ran through a terrace-level checkpoint, one floor above the ballroom where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was underway.
Security response and injuries
A Secret Service spokesman confirmed an officer was struck in the ballistic vest but sustained no serious injuries. Investigators are examining whether the officer was hit by the suspect's fire or by friendly fire.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated on X that there is "no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire." However, a prosecutors' memo filed Wednesday made no mention of an officer being shot.
"All the evidence that I've seen, the suspect shot our officer point-blank range with a shotgun. Our officer heroically returned fire while being shot point-blank range in the chest with a shotgun, he was able to get off five shots."
Sean Curran, US Secret Service Director
Suspect's movements and charges
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, faces charges including attempted assassination of President Trump, transporting a firearm to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. He has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors say footage also shows Allen "casing the area" the day before the attack, including checking into the hotel and visiting its gym. He allegedly carried a semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun, and three knives during the incident.
Contradictions in accounts
Defense attorneys have challenged prosecutors' claims that Allen fired his weapon. A charging document alleged an officer was hit by a single shot from the suspect, while the Secret Service director told Fox News the assailant fired at an agent at "point-blank range."
Allen was subdued after reportedly striking his knee on a magnetometer box and falling. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were evacuated following the gunfire.
