New Footage Shows Cole Allen Casing Hotel Before Trump Assassination Attempt

New surveillance video released by federal prosecutors on May 1, 2026, provides a clearer picture of the premeditation and execution of the April 25, 2026, attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Cole Tomas Allen. The footage, disseminated by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, shows Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, 'casing' the Washington Hilton hotel the day before the incident. The video reveals Allen walking along a hallway with a carpet design identical to the shooting scene, entering an adjacent gym, speaking to an attendant, and then returning. It further depicts him observing the security checkpoint where, less than 24 hours later, he would allegedly attempt to storm the high-profile event. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday night, disrupted one of Washington D.C.'s most prestigious annual gatherings, attended by President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, numerous cabinet members, and hundreds of journalists. Authorities allege Allen's primary target was President Trump and other administration officials. Details from court documents and prosecutorial statements indicate a meticulously planned assault. Allen had reserved a room at the Washington Hilton on April 6, weeks in advance of the dinner, suggesting long-term planning. He traveled across the country by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington D.C., arriving on April 24, 2026, and checking into the hotel. Minutes before the attack commenced, at approximately 8:40 p.m. on April 25, 2026, Allen allegedly sent an email to family members and a former employer. In this chilling message, he referred to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin" and expressed grievances against the Trump administration, outlining his intent to target officials. Investigators have obtained a copy of this email, which they are examining along with social media posts and interviews with family members to understand his mindset and motives. On the night of the attack, Allen, armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38 caliber pistol, and multiple knives and daggers, approached a security checkpoint on the terrace level of the hotel, a floor above the ballroom. He reportedly ran through a magnetometer, holding a long gun. A U.S. Secret Service officer, wearing a ballistic vest, was shot once in the chest. The officer, whose vest prevented serious injury, then drew their service weapon and fired multiple times at Allen, causing him to fall to the ground. Allen sustained minor injuries but was not struck by bullets. Initial reports and subsequent discussions involved some debate regarding whether Allen or a Secret Service agent fired the first shot. However, U.S. Attorney Pirro stated the newly released video shows Allen shooting first as he rushed through the metal detector. Prosecutors also reported recovering what appeared to be a buckshot pellet from the scene, showing signs of having been fired in the direction of the Secret Service officer. Defense attorneys for Allen initially expressed skepticism, noting the video did not show a clear muzzle flash from Allen's shotgun. Following the chaotic incident, President Trump and other high-ranking officials were quickly escorted from the ballroom by Secret Service agents, and the dinner was cut short, with guests instructed to evacuate. Allen was promptly arrested at the scene. On April 27, 2026, Cole Tomas Allen was arraigned in U.S. District Court and formally charged with serious federal offenses. These include one count of attempt to assassinate the President of the United States, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted of the assassination count alone, he faces a potential life sentence. Allen appeared in court and was ordered to remain in federal custody pending further hearings, as prosecutors argued he posed a danger to the community. His attorney, Tezira Abe, noted that Allen had no prior criminal record. Allen is described as a highly educated individual, having earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Caltech in 2017 and a master's degree in computer science in 2025. He worked as a part-time tutor and amateur video game developer. A social media profile, which has since been taken offline, indicated he was recognized as "Teacher of the Month" in December 2024. His family had reportedly alerted police about writings indicating anti-Trump ideology. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that Allen's manifesto specifically excluded him from the list of intended targets. The rapid response of law enforcement and Secret Service personnel was widely praised for preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that "deranged attacks on our elected officials will never go unpunished.

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