Forensic Evidence Links Shotgun Pellet to Bullet in Agent's Vest
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting definitively fired the bullet that struck a Secret Service agent's vest. The incident involved Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump. Pirro shared details during a CNN interview on May 3, 2026.
lamag.comU.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated that the suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shooting definitively fired the bullet that hit a Secret Service agent’s vest. Pirro made the announcement during an appearance on CNN with Jake Tapper to discuss the investigation into the attempted White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
The CNN article detailing the interview was published at 11:19 AM EDT on Sunday, May 3, 2026. A pellet from the buckshot from the defendant’s Mossberg pump-action shotgun was intertwined with the bullet in the Secret Service agent's vest, Pirro said. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Allen wanted President Trump dead during the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, according to Pirro. Cole Tomas Allen was armed during the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
Pirro described the evidence linking Allen to the shot in her statements. Cole Tomas Allen is a Caltech graduate. He is also an indie video game developer. These details emerged in coverage of Allen's background following the incident.
She joined CNN's Jake Tapper to provide updates on the investigation. The discussion focused on new forensic details confirming Allen's involvement.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-03T11:19 AM EDT
CNN published article on U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's interview with Jake Tapper discussing the investigation.
1 sourceCNN - Recent (prior to May 3, 2026)
Shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Cole Tomas Allen allegedly attempted to assassinate President Trump.
4 sourcesNew York Post · Los Angeles Times · unattributed · Jeanine Pirro - Recent (prior to May 3, 2026)
Cole Tomas Allen fired a bullet that hit a Secret Service agent’s vest, with a pellet from his Mossberg pump-action shotgun intertwined in the vest.
2 sourcesJeanine Pirro · Washington Examiner - Undated (background)
Cole Tomas Allen graduated from Caltech and works as an indie video game developer.
1 sourceLos Angeles Times
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential advancement in legal proceedings against Cole Tomas Allen due to confirmed forensic evidence.
- 02
Increased scrutiny on security at White House Correspondents' Dinner events.
- 03
Public awareness of suspect's background may influence perceptions of motives.
Transparency Panel
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