Newly released footage shows the moments preceding Cole Allen’s foiled shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton last weekend — and how he was almost caught by a police dog.
A K-9 can be seen sniffing at an open door that Allen, 31, walked through to presumably prepare himself before rushing past the security checkpoint, but the K-9 officer pulled the dog away after he seemingly spoke with Allen. Seconds later, the suspected shooter charged through the door.
Running by with a shotgun in hand, Allen shot a standing Secret Service agent in the chest. The agent, who wore a bulletproof vest, fired multiple rounds in return.
Allen was not hit by any bullets, but he apparently fell down to the ground after he hit his knee on a magnetometer box. Law enforcement officers then subdued the suspect, who was equipped with a shotgun, a pistol, knives, and a tactical vest.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro released the video on Thursday after providing it to the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The first half of the video shows Allen surveying the hotel the night before the attack.
The White House press gala was attended by President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, several Cabinet officials, and numerous members of Congress. It’s believed Allen, who traveled to the nation’s capital from California, intended to target Trump and other administration officials.
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Allen was charged with attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could be sentenced to life in prison. Appearing in court on Thursday, Allen agreed to remain in jail for now pending trial.
The Secret Service is reviewing security protocols for future events that may be attended by the president, including a rescheduled WHCA dinner. Trump hailed law enforcement for quickly apprehending the suspect, even though the new footage shows he could have been stopped sooner.
