A gunman burst through a hotel doorway and charged past a security checkpoint in only four seconds. This happened as President Donald Trump attended a press gala. Newly released footage from prosecutors shows the rapid security breach at the Washington Hilton. The incident occurred on Saturday, May 1, 2026.
The video appears to show a security agent firing towards the gunman. The gunman carried a long weapon. It is unclear if the gunman's weapon discharged. The footage does not show the moment the suspect allegedly tripped and was arrested. Prosecutors allege Cole Tomas Allen, 31, attempted to assassinate President Trump. He faces charges at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Allen has not yet entered a plea.
The US Justice Department stated the video also shows Allen "casing the area." He allegedly checked into the hotel as a guest the day before the event. This allowed him to scout the location. He is seen walking a hotel corridor and visiting the gym. The prosecution claims Allen carried a semi-automatic handgun. He also had a pump-action shotgun and three knives. He ran through a terrace level. This level was one floor above the main ballroom.
President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and cabinet members were escorted from the venue. Gunfire had erupted. The new video was posted on X by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. It appears to be a higher quality version of an earlier clip. The footage shows about a dozen security agents at a checkpoint. A man in a dark coat enters a doorway. Seconds later, the gunman, without the coat, sprints through a metal detector. He appeared to hold a gun.
An affidavit states the coat concealed a 12-gauge shotgun. The video seems to show an officer firing a handgun. Prosecutors claim the officer was hit by gunfire. However, the suspect was not shot. A Secret Service spokesman told the BBC the officer was hit on his ballistic vest. He was not seriously injured. Experts are investigating who fired the shot that hit the officer. Pirro stated there is no evidence of friendly fire.
A memo filed by prosecutors did not mention an officer being shot. It stated the suspect fired the shotgun towards the stairs. Earlier charging documents alleged one officer was hit by a shot. Defence lawyers have questioned the prosecution's claims. The US Secret Service director told Fox News the suspect fired at an agent at "point-blank range." He added the officer returned fire. The suspect appeared to hit his knee on a magnetometer box. He began to fall. Officers then subdued him.
Allen faces more charges. These include transporting a firearm to commit a felony. Discharging a firearm in a crime of violence is another charge. Both carry maximum sentences of 10 years. This incident highlights significant security vulnerabilities. It raises questions about preparedness for high-profile events. The speed of the breach is particularly concerning. It shows how quickly an attacker can bypass security layers.