A US Attorney stated that a Secret Service agent was shot during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last weekend, with evidence linking the pellet to a shotgun from the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen.
Evidence Links Shotgun Pellet to Suspect
During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro presented evidence suggesting the pellet found on the Secret Service officer's vest originated from a Mossberg pump-action shotgun belonging to the defendant, Cole Tomas Allen. Pirro stated, “We now can establish that a pellet that came from the buckshot, from the defendant’s Mossberg pump action shotgun, was intertwined with the fiber of the vest of the Secret Service officer,” and added, “It is definitely his bullet.”
Analysis of the Shooting Incident
While video and audio analysis from the hotel surveillance footage do not definitively confirm when or if Allen fired a shot, the audio analysis indicated that a total of six shots were fired during the incident. This aligns with initial law enforcement reports suggesting Allen fired one shot, followed by five shots from responding officers.
- Evidence Reviewed: CNN analyzed hotel surveillance video and audio recordings from the ballroom.
- Key Finding: Six total shots were recorded during the event.
Details on Suspect's Movements and Intent
Pirro provided additional details regarding Allen's movements before he approached law enforcement at the security checkpoint. She stated that Allen entered a room to remove a long coat, which she suggested was used to conceal the shotgun.
- K9 Unit: A bomb detection dog and its handler were seen near the doorway. A former Secret Service agent noted that such dogs are trained for specific threats, such as high-order explosives, not necessarily ammunition.
- Target Assessment: Although Allen’s alleged manifesto did not name Donald Trump, Pirro asserted that the evidence established him as a “very clear” target. She cited his actions, including inquiries about the President’s location at the hotel, as proof of intent.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Pirro’s office has filed several charges against Allen. While the initial charge is for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, the scope of charges could expand as the grand jury investigation progresses. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that charges could increase as the government gathers more information. A preliminary hearing with the grand jury is scheduled for May 8th.
Pirro also addressed potential defenses, dismissing arguments of insanity, stating Allen is “far from insane,” and confirming she would not recuse herself from the case despite her association with the Trump administration.
