Washington Hilton Security Breach Injures Officer

New video shows a man armed with a shotgun breaching security at the Washington Hilton and firing at a Secret Service officer. This happened just before the White House Correspondents' dinner.
By Newsroom | Crime, Washington D.C. |

Rapid Security Breach, Gunfire Erupt at Washington Hilton

Newly released surveillance footage details the swift incursion of Cole Tomas Allen, 31, through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, an incident occurring shortly before the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The video, presented by federal prosecutors, allegedly shows Allen, armed with a long-barrelled weapon, sprinting past a security checkpoint. During this rapid movement, authorities claim Allen fired his shotgun at least once, hitting a Secret Service officer.

Multiple law enforcement sources confirm that Secret Service agents and other officers responded to Allen's approach. The footage appears to show at least one Secret Service agent drawing his weapon and discharging rounds in Allen's direction as he continued his advance. The exact sequence and outcome of these exchanges remain under scrutiny, with prosecutors asserting Allen fired his weapon, and authorities indicating a Secret Service agent returned fire multiple times.

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Details of the Incident Emerge

Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, has been formally charged with attempted assassination of the President. He was apprehended following the incident and, according to reports, sustained injuries but was not shot. He has not yet entered a plea in federal court and has agreed to remain jailed pending trial. Prosecutors allege Allen was equipped with a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol, ammunition, and knives.

The newly surfaced video also shows Allen navigating hotel corridors and entering an area where security personnel, including Secret Service and TSA agents, were stationed near metal detectors. One account suggests a K9 unit alerted officers to Allen's presence shortly before he breached the security perimeter.

Background Context

The White House Correspondents' Association dinner is a significant annual event attended by journalists, government officials, and the President. The alleged attempt occurred while President Donald Trump was in attendance. The release of this footage by federal prosecutors, including statements attributed to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, provides a visual element to the ongoing legal proceedings against Allen. The video's release follows Allen's court appearance, where he was held without bail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Washington Hilton before the White House Correspondents' dinner?
A man named Cole Tomas Allen, 31, breached a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton. Video shows him armed with a shotgun and allegedly firing it, hitting a Secret Service officer.
Q: What are the charges against Cole Tomas Allen?
Allen has been charged with attempted assassination of the President. He was arrested at the scene and is being held without bail.
Q: What does the new video show?
The surveillance footage shows Allen running past a security checkpoint with a long-barrelled weapon. It also shows him moving through hotel corridors and a Secret Service agent returning fire.
Q: Was anyone else hurt in the incident?
A Secret Service officer was hit by gunfire during the security breach. Allen was apprehended and reportedly sustained injuries but was not shot.
Q: When did this incident occur?
The incident happened shortly before the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on January 5, 2026.