Federal filing: Suspect in alleged White House correspondents’ dinner attack took armed photo before incident
Federal prosecutors have released new details and images in the case of alleged White House correspondents’ dinner attack suspect Cole Allen, including claims that he photographed himself armed shortly before the incident at the Washington Hilton.
According to a Justice Department court filing submitted Wednesday, investigators say Allen was observed at a security checkpoint at the hotel and allegedly fired a shotgun in the direction of stairs leading toward the ballroom area.
The filing states that a US Secret Service officer and others heard the gunshot, prompting the officer to draw his service weapon and fire multiple times. Allen was then restrained by law enforcement and arrested at the scene.
Authorities also detailed alleged pre-attack planning, stating that Allen conducted online searches related to the White House correspondents’ dinner and tracked presidential schedule information in the days leading up to the event.
Prosecutors claim Allen documented his movements and observations during a cross-country trip to Washington, D.C., and kept notes on his phone describing his views on security at the hotel.
The court filing includes an alleged statement from Allen in which he suggested he believed he could enter the venue undetected. Investigators also say he accessed schedule-tracking information shortly before the incident.
On the day of the event, Allen allegedly left his hotel room multiple times and monitored updates related to the president’s movements, according to the filing.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence described in the court documents is a photograph allegedly taken by Allen before leaving his hotel room. The image reportedly shows him dressed in dark clothing with weapons and tactical items attached to his body and carried in a bag.
Authorities say a search of his hotel room uncovered additional weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment, including knives, shotgun shells, tape, and a respirator. Additional items were reportedly recovered from his residence in California, including firearm components and electronic devices.
Allen is expected to appear in court on Thursday as the case moves forward.
