U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced new ballistics evidence suggesting suspect Cole Tomas Allen shot a Secret Service agent during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The evidence reportedly links a buckshot pellet found on the agent's vest to a shotgun allegedly carried by Allen.
Allegations Surrounding the Shooting
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, stated that Cole Tomas Allen allegedly shot a Secret Service agent while attempting to enter the Washington Hilton ballroom last weekend. Pirro presented this information during a broadcast on CNN's "State of the Union."
- Key Evidence: New ballistics evidence reportedly showed the agent's protective vest contained a buckshot pellet.
- Weapon Link: This pellet was traced to a Mossberg pump-action shotgun that Allen is alleged to have possessed.
Charges Against Cole Tomas Allen
Federal prosecutors have charged Allen with serious offenses related to the incident. These charges include:
- Attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
- Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Pirro asserted that the bullet was definitively from Allen, stating he "had every intention to kill him and anyone who got in his way on his way to killing the president of the United States."
Context and Legal Status
- Incident Details: The shooting occurred during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, attended by President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other high-ranking officials.
- Pattern of Attacks: This event marks the third reported attempt on the President's life since 2024.
- Suspect Status: Allen, 31, of California, has been in custody since the night of the shooting and reportedly waived his right to challenge his detention on Thursday.
- Future Charges: While the new evidence is significant, it remains unclear if the determination will lead to additional charges, though prosecutors have warned that more charges may be filed.
