Video Shows Moment Shooter Tried To Storm White House Dinner Officials Say

Federal prosecutors in the United States have released new surveillance footage showing the dramatic moment a gunman allegedly attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. Officials say the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was trying to reach President Donald Trump and other senior government officials attending the high-profile event.

The incident took place during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner held at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 25. The event was attended by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, journalists, and several political leaders. Authorities said Allen was armed with firearms and knives when he rushed toward the ballroom area through a security checkpoint.

The newly released video, shared by federal prosecutors and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, shows Allen moving quickly through the hotel and later running past metal detectors near the main entrance area. Prosecutors claim the footage also shows the suspect firing toward a Secret Service officer during the chaos. Officials stated that the officer was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and survived the incident.

According to investigators, Allen had reportedly spent time inside the hotel the night before the attack, allegedly scouting the area and studying security arrangements. Prosecutors said the suspect stayed at the hotel as a guest and carefully planned his movements before the attempted attack. The video released by authorities reportedly includes footage of Allen walking through hotel corridors and other public areas before the incident occurred.

During the attack, Secret Service agents immediately responded after Allen rushed through the security screening area. Officials said several shots were fired as agents attempted to stop him before he could enter the ballroom where thousands of guests were gathered. Investigators later confirmed that Allen was eventually subdued after tripping near a metal detector box while officers tackled and arrested him.

The incident caused panic inside the ballroom as guests were quickly evacuated or ordered to take cover under tables. President Trump and senior administration officials were rushed out of the area by Secret Service agents within seconds after shots were heard. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, who was present near the security area, later described the incident as terrifying and said the gunman appeared to be carrying a “serious weapon.”

However, some controversy has emerged over whether Allen actually fired the shot that struck the Secret Service officer. Defense lawyers representing the suspect questioned the government’s evidence and argued that available footage does not clearly show Allen firing his weapon. Public defenders also claimed ballistic evidence has not yet fully confirmed who fired the shot that hit the officer’s protective vest.

Federal prosecutors, however, strongly rejected suggestions of friendly fire. Jeanine Pirro said investigators found no evidence showing the officer was accidentally shot by another agent. Secret Service Director Sean Curran also defended the official investigation and said Allen was stopped before reaching the main event area.

Authorities said Allen traveled from California to Washington by train several days before the incident. Investigators also revealed that he allegedly sent writings and messages to family members before the attack, expressing anger toward the Trump administration. According to court documents, Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in messages recovered during the investigation.

Allen now faces several serious federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, transportation of firearms to commit a felony, and unlawful firearm discharge during a violent crime. If convicted, he could face life in prison. Officials confirmed that the suspect remains in federal custody while the investigation continues.