U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro revealed Sunday that Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, allegedly shot a Secret Service agent while attempting to breach the ballroom. New ballistics evidence confirms a buckshot pellet from Allen's Mossberg pump-action shotgun was found in the agent's protective vest.
Pirro, speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," stated that this evidence definitively links Allen to the shooting of the agent, who was fortunately uninjured. Prosecutors had previously charged Allen with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, but the source of the bullet remained unclear until Pirro's announcement. This incident marks the third reported attempt on President Trump's life since 2024.
Meanwhile, Allen was removed from suicide precautions following a request from his attorneys. They argued his placement on suicide watch was unconstitutional, depriving him of due process rights and hindering his ability to prepare a defense. A jail nurse assessed Allen on May 1st and recommended his removal from these protocols, though his legal team reported he remained under such restrictions until Sunday. The court, however, expressed "grave concerns" regarding Allen's solitary confinement and overall conditions.
Prosecutors have warned that additional charges may be filed in the case. Allen, 31, of California, waived his right to challenge his detention on Thursday.
A video still showing Cole Tomas Allen running through security at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.
Courtesy: USAttyPirro
