Surveillance Video Released of Attempted Attack at White House Correspondents' Dinner

Security camera footage released by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro depicts the moment a suspect initiated an attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner held at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The video, shared on April 30, 2026, shows Cole Allen, 31, running through a security checkpoint with a shotgun.

The event unfolded shortly after 8:30 p.m. on April 25, 2026, when Allen burst through double doors on the terrace level. He had concealed the weapon under a jacket, which was later found in a hallway. Allen sprinted through a magnetometer, firing at a uniformed officer who returned fire while falling.

Seven seconds elapsed from Allen's encounter with law enforcement to his apprehension. The officer sustained bruising from buckshot hitting his protective vest but was not seriously injured. Authorities recovered a shotgun, multiple knives, a handgun, and a tactical vest from Allen.

“From the evidence he had seen, the suspect shot at a uniformed officer. The officer returned fire while being shot point-blank range in the chest with a shotgun, and was able to get off five shots as he was falling." — Secret Service Director Sean Curran, April 30, 2026 (CBS News). Secret Service Director Sean Curran described the suspect hitting his knee on a magnetometer box during the engagement. More than 30 federal protective details were on site, and the distance from the checkpoint to the ballroom podium was about 355 feet. Allen faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.”

Attendees inside the ballroom heard sounds initially mistaken for dropping plates, followed by shouts of shots fired. Law enforcement officers in helmets and flak jackets appeared on stage as guests took cover. The dinner resumed briefly before evacuation, with the president departing swiftly in a motorcade.

“I thought a caterer might have dropped a stack of plates, but then I heard shouts of “Shots fired!”" — Unnamed journalist, April 25, 2026 (The New Yorker). An agent used an MP7 personal defense weapon from a backpack to respond to the threat. No one was seriously hurt, and the suspect was not struck by gunfire. Prosecutors plan to add a charge of assaulting a federal officer.”

The Washington Hilton has hosted the dinner traditionally, but security challenges were noted. Historical incidents at the hotel include a 1981 shooting outside its premises. Antiwar protesters gathered outside the event, chanting at arriving guests.

The president later addressed reporters, praising the response and noting the building's security limitations. Federal officials emphasized the rapid takedown prevented access to the ballroom where approximately 2,600 guests were present. Allen descended from a tenth-floor room via an interior stairwell before the attack.