Video Shows Secret Service Agent Being Shot During WHCD Attack
Newly released surveillance footage captures a pivotal moment during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a Secret Service agent fired multiple shots at a suspect who attempted to storm the event. While previous footage shared by Donald Trump was grainy and unclear, the footage obtained by The Washington Post offers a much clearer picture of the unfolding events.
In the video, Cole Allen, the heavily armed suspect, is seen pointing a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed at a magnetometer near the ballroom entrance. However, Allen did not discharge the firearm, prompting the agent to draw his weapon and fire several shots at Allen before he fled the scene. Cole Allen was found to be in possession of a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38 caliber pistol, and multiple knives at the time of his arrest.
After bypassing the magnetometer, Allen stumbled and fell to the ground, where authorities were able to apprehend him. Notably, Allen was not shot by the Secret Service agent who fired at him, as he was immediately detained following his fall. The agent, who remains unidentified, was shot once in the chest during the altercation, but fortunately, he was wearing a bulletproof vest that prevented severe injury.
Prosecutors have since released a selfie taken by Allen moments before the attack, where he can be seen smirking while dressed in all-black attire and wearing a red tie. The image depicts Allen armed with multiple guns, ammunition, knives, and wire cutters. Allen has been charged with attempted assassination of the president, transportation of a firearm and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime.
While the surveillance footage reviewed did not capture Allen firing his shotgun, it remains unclear if all shots fired during the chaotic incident were recorded. In another photo released by federal prosecutors, Allen is seen posing with two firearms and several knives shortly before the attack. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of the U.S. District Court for D.C. has indicated that the investigation is examining the possibility that the Secret Service agent was unintentionally shot by a fellow officer rather than by Allen directly.
An affidavit outlining the charges against Allen mentioned that Secret Service personnel heard a loud gunshot as he made his way towards the magnetometer, prompting the officer to open fire. Prior to the attack, Allen allegedly penned a manifesto stating his intention to target Secret Service agents only if necessary and to avoid targeting additional security personnel unless they posed a direct threat to him.