Federal investigators are examining whether a Secret Service agent wounded during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump may have been struck by gunfire from a fellow officer during the chaotic response at a Washington event.
The revelation emerged during the initial court appearance of Cole Allen, 31, who faces charges including attempted assassination of Trump and two additional federal offenses. Prosecutors indicated more charges could follow as the inquiry continues.
According to officials, Allen allegedly tried to force his way into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, where Trump, senior cabinet officials, journalists and guests were gathered. Authorities said an agent confronting the suspect fired five rounds as Allen advanced.
“This heroic officer who was hit fired five times at Allen, who was not shot but fell to the ground and was promptly arrested,” acting attorney general Todd Blanche said.
While confirming the suspect discharged at least one round from a shotgun, Blanche declined to state who fired the shot that struck the agent’s protective vest.
“The defendant fired out of his shotgun – we know that happened. But as far as getting into exacting ballistics, I’m not going to do that today,” he told reporters.
Witnesses described scenes of panic inside the hotel as guests fled and others took cover beneath tables. Security personnel rapidly removed Trump, JD Vance, secretary of state and other senior officials from the venue.
Investigators said Allen, from Torrance, California, was carrying knives and a pistol in addition to the shotgun. He allegedly reserved a room at the hotel after traveling across the country by train.
Allen did not respond to the accusations during Monday’s hearing. His lawyer said he had no prior arrests or convictions.
Officials portrayed the incident as a successful security intervention, noting the suspect was stopped in the lobby before reaching the dining room. The case has renewed scrutiny of presidential protection after previous threats against Trump in 2024.
of course he was , because it was all staged !!!!!