A U.S. Secret Service officer struck by gunfire during a shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was not hit by friendly fire, according to multiple senior law enforcement officials.
Investigators from the Justice Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have determined that the round that hit the officer was fired by the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Allen of Torrance, California. Allen opened fire with a shotgun while charging a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, the venue hosting the gala.
Sources familiar with the investigation reported that six shots in total were fired during the incident: one by Allen and five by the Secret Service officer who was struck. The bullet appeared to hit the officer’s cellphone, which was inside a pocket of his bulletproof vest, limiting injury to minor and non-life-threatening. The officer was wearing protective gear that absorbed the impact.
Allen collapsed during the scuffle and was arrested on the scene without injury. He has been formally charged with attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, committing a violent crime, and transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony. He made his first federal court appearance but did not enter a plea.
Why it matters
This incident highlighted serious security concerns at high-profile political events and raised questions about how weapons were able to reach the checkpoint. Accurate identification of the source of gunfire is critical for law enforcement protocols and public safety assessments. The investigation’s confirmation that the officer was not struck by friendly fire reassures the effectiveness of protective measures while highlighting the dangers officers face at such events.
Background
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual event attended by journalists, politicians, and celebrities, traditionally secured by multiple law enforcement agencies. This shooting is one of the most serious security breaches associated with the event in recent years. In response, officials are reviewing security procedures to prevent future incidents.
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Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source: