Federal authorities release footage of attack at White House Correspondents' Dinner

On April 30, 2026, U.S. federal authorities released security footage showing 31-year-old Cole Allen attempting an assassination of President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 25, when Allen, who had checked into the hotel the previous day, bypassed security measures while armed. Surveillance video shows Allen moving through the hotel corridors and shooting a Secret Service agent, who survived after the bullet hit his protective vest. In the exchange, law enforcement officers returned fire, though initial reports vary on whether the suspect was hit or slightly injured during the encounter. Allen managed to cover approximately 18 meters before being subdued by security forces. The President, the First Lady, and Vice President Vance were present in the ballroom at the time of the event. Allen appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty, agreeing to remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.