Cole Tomas Allen faces new charge over shooting at Secret Service agent
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 5
Cole Tomas Allen faces new charge over shooting at Secret Service agent
13 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 5
A Washington grand jury added the count in a four-charge indictment over the 25 April attack at the Washington Hilton during the correspondents’ dinner.
Prosecutors say the 31-year-old Californian ran past a checkpoint, fired a shotgun into an agent’s bulletproof vest and aimed to kill Donald Trump and other senior officials.
Allen already faced attempted assassination, firearm discharge and interstate weapons transport charges after allegedly bringing a shotgun, pistol, knives and ammunition across the country; the agent was not seriously hurt.
A judge apologized to an alleged assassin for his jail treatment. Where is the line between security and a suspect's rights?
An armed guest breached security at the presidential dinner. How can these high-profile events ever be made truly safe?
A Caltech-educated engineer planned a presidential assassination. What turns an ordinary citizen into a 'lone wolf' attacker?
Assassination Attempt on President Trump at 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner: Timeline, Security Failures, and National Implications
Overview
On April 25, 2026, Cole Allen, a legally armed and radicalized individual, attempted to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner by firing a shotgun near the ballroom. Exploiting reduced security due to the event's lack of National Special Security Event designation and traveling by train to avoid strict weapon screening, Allen bypassed security checkpoints as a registered guest. The Secret Service responded quickly, subduing and arresting him without casualties. The attack exposed serious security gaps, prompting legal action against Allen and nationwide calls for improved protective measures, while highlighting the growing threat of politically motivated violence fueled by extremist rhetoric and misinformation.