WHCD shooting update: Top D.C. attorney says in new evidence Gunman’s bullet hit Secret Service agent
New details emerge of a failed assassination plot against US President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (world health center). United States Attorney Jeanne Pirro said prosecutors had clear evidence that the suspect shot and wounded a Secret Service agent.
Pirro said on CNN’s State of the Union that video footage showed the suspect was 31 years old. Cole Allenfired at the officer. She added that the wounded agent himself confirmed that he had been shot.
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Evidence and sequence of events
Authorities said Allen opened fire at a security checkpoint at a WHCA dinner last weekend. Secret Service Director Sean M. Curran said earlier that the suspect shot the officer at “close range” after walking toward the checkpoint.
Pirro revealed during his State of the Union address that forensic evidence supports that claim, noting that pellets from lead bullets used by the suspects were found embedded in the fibers of the agents’ protective vests.
“It was absolutely his bullet that hit the Secret Service agent who he fully intended to kill and anyone who stood in the way of him killing the president of the United States,” Pirro said.
She described the WHCD shooting as a “premeditated and violent” attempt to kill the president and anyone who stood in the way of the attackers.
The officer reportedly returned fire, helping neutralize the threat and prevent further injuries. Officials called the response “heroic” and noted that prompt action may have prevented more serious outcomes.
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Manifesto and alleged motive
Prosecutors said the suspect’s intentions were further supported by a manifesto he reportedly sent to an acquaintance before the attack. The document does not explicitly mention Trump by name; however, it outlines a plan to target administration officials in hierarchical order.
Pirro said the evidence showed Allen decided to carry out the attack after learning that Trump would be attending a WHCA dinner at the Washington Hilton. “It’s clear,” she said, that the plan was developed with the president as its primary target.
Allen was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with attempting to assassinate Trump and multiple gun violations. He remains in custody pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 11.
