A Secret Service officer was struck by gunfire from a suspect who charged into the Washington Hilton during a presidential visit, investigators have determined. The officer, a member of the Uniformed Division, was wearing body armor when hit and returned fire before being hospitalized and later released, according to law enforcement officials.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, allegedly rushed a checkpoint on a floor above the ballroom where President Donald Trump was attending the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday. Video captured Allen running with a shotgun and additional weapons. Authorities confirmed the officer was not struck by friendly fire from other law enforcement personnel.
Allen, a teacher and engineer from Torrance, California, has been charged with attempted assassination of the president, interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. He was not formally charged with assaulting a federal officer, despite the shooting.
Prosecutors filed images recovered from Allen's hotel room showing him in a mirror wearing all black with a red necktie and tactical gear. The photos included what appeared to be an ammunition-filled leather bag, shoulder holster, sheathed knife, pliers and wire cutters. Allen had taken the selfies minutes before the attack, according to court documents.
Investigators are continuing to analyze devices seized from Allen's California home and his guest room at the Washington Hilton, including desktop and laptop computers, phones, and hard drives. The evidence is expected to provide more details about his planning and motivations.
In a note sent to family members just before he charged the checkpoint, Allen allegedly stated he believed it was his duty to target Trump administration officials. The transcript showed him apologizing and saying he did not expect forgiveness. His first court appearance was Monday.
People who knew Allen described him as intelligent and gentle, noting his background as a former NASA intern and graduate of the California Institute of Technology. Colleagues characterized him as interested in coding and engineering.
Allen's federal public defenders filed an emergency motion Wednesday claiming jail officials had not allowed confidential communications between their client and his legal team. A U.S. District Court magistrate judge ordered the city's corrections department to permit unrestricted legal visits immediately.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "This case shows how security protocols worked when they mattered most, but it also raises hard questions about how someone with technical expertise and apparent ideological motivation slipped through the cracks."
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