Investigation confirms agent was struck during White House correspondents' dinner attack

Federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro confirmed on May 3, 2026, that forensic analysis linked a pellet from a Mossberg shotgun to the protective vest of a Secret Service agent. The incident occurred during an attempted security breach at the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents' Association dinner one week prior. The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, is currently facing charges for the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Investigators have identified that the projectile found in the agent's vest originated from Allen's weapon. In addition to the attempted assassination charge, Allen faces multiple firearms-related offenses and has not yet entered a formal plea. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated that further charges could be brought against the suspect as the federal investigation continues.