CCTV Footage Reveals Dramatic Gunman Incident at Trump Event

New footage has emerged showing a dramatic security breach at the Washington Hilton, where a gunman charged through a security checkpoint while President Donald Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The video, released by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, captures Cole Tomas Allen, 31, sprinting through the venue shortly after 10.30 PM on April 25, 2026.

In the clip, Allen can be seen running past a metal detector, appearing to carry a long-barrelled weapon. Security personnel responded by opening fire, although it remains unclear if Allen discharged his weapon during the incident. The footage does not depict the moment investigators assert that he fell over and was apprehended at the scene.

Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, a serious allegation that could carry a life sentence if he is convicted. He has not yet entered a plea regarding these charges. The US Department of Justice has indicated that the footage also captures Allen surveying the hotel the day before the gala. Reports suggest he was seen walking around the venue and visiting the gym prior to the event.

Witness reports indicate that Allen was armed with multiple weapons, including a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives as he traversed the terrace level, located one floor above the ballroom where the high-profile event was taking place. Upon hearing gunfire, Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, Cabinet members, and other officials were swiftly evacuated from the gala.

The new video release is a clearer iteration of footage previously shared by Trump on social media after the shooting occurred. The latest footage features nearly a dozen security agents gathered around the checkpoint just before the breach. It shows a man, later identified as Allen, remove a long coat before charging through the checkpoint, revealing his concealed weapon. Prosecutors allege that this coat was hiding a 12-gauge shotgun.

Witness accounts describe a chaotic scene following the gunfire, with attendees diving for cover as security personnel alerted officials and cleared the venue.

According to multiple sources, including a Secret Service spokesperson, one officer was injured in the incident but sustained only minor injuries after being struck in the ballistic vest. Preliminary investigations have attempted to ascertain whether the officer was shot by Allen or by a different law enforcement officer on the scene. Jeanine Pirro reassured via her social media accounts that there is no evidence indicating the shooting stemmed from friendly fire.

Sean Curran, director of the US Secret Service, recounted the events that unfolded during the attack, stating, "Our officer heroically returned fire while being shot at point-blank range with a shotgun." Curran detailed that Allen appeared to have injured himself while trying to evade capture, which ultimately led to his arrest.

Allen faces several additional charges, including the illegal transport of a firearm across state lines and discharging a weapon during a violent crime, both of which carry maximum sentences of ten years each. The criminal case surrounding this incident continues to unfold, with prosecutors expected to introduce further charges.

Officials have indicated that the security breach has reignited concerns regarding political violence in the United States, especially as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential elections. Historically, Trump has survived two prior assassination attempts during his political career.

As the situation develops, authorities have taken Allen into custody pending further court appearances where his fate will be determined. Investigators are focused on gathering evidence and solidifying their case against Allen, who had previously sent a message to family members referring to himself as the 'Friendly Federal Assassin'. This stark admission further complicates the narrative surrounding the motivations behind his actions at the gala.

Overall, this incident marks a disturbing escalation in threats against public figures in the United States, prompting ongoing discussions about security measures at high-profile events.