US federal prosecutor Jeanine Pirro on 30/4 released a video showing suspect Cole Allen, carrying a shotgun, running past a metal detector gate at the White House Correspondents' Association party venue at the Washington Hilton hotel on 25/4. According to Pirro, as Allen rushed past the security gate, he fired a shot at an agent, who immediately drew a weapon and returned fire with several shots. As Allen continued to rush forward, agents in the security checkpoint area drew their weapons, aimed at the suspect, and pursued him.
The video's release followed a statement from Director of the US Secret Service Sean Curran, who reported that Allen was not hit by any of the 5 shots fired by agents. Curran added that the gunman appeared to trip over a box used to transport the metal detector and fell to the ground.
Prosecutors stated that a spent shell casing was found in Allen's shotgun, indicating he had fired a weapon, but the filing did not mention anyone being hit by him. Crucially, the document did not accuse Allen of aiming at or hitting the Secret Service officer, whom officials said was hit in the chest but protected by a bulletproof vest. This contradicts earlier statements by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and prosecutor Pirro, who claimed Allen had hit the Secret Service officer. The discrepancy raises questions about who fired the shot that hit the officer or whether a "friendly fire" incident occurred.
In a filing to a federal court in Washington D.C. on 29/4, US prosecutors stated that Allen had been in his room at the Washington Hilton hotel, continuously monitoring websites for updates on President Donald Trump's schedule and location. Allen appeared before a federal court in Washington D.C. on 27/4. He faces charges of attempting to assassinate the US President, which could lead to life imprisonment if he is convicted. Additionally, Allen faces charges of illegally transporting weapons across state lines and firing a weapon during a violent act.
This incident marks the third assassination attempt on President Trump in less than two years. The White House accuses Democratic politicians and the media of inciting extremism, which they claim led to the event.
Ngoc Anh (According to Guardian, CNN, AP)
