Prosecutor: Buckshot from Suspect Struck Secret Service Vest
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Washington — On April 25 at a Washington hotel, federal prosecutors said investigators determined that buckshot fired from Cole Tomas Allen's Mossberg pump-action shotgun struck a Secret Service agent's bullet-resistant vest during an attempted breach of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner; U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro made the disclosure on CNN's State of the Union this week. The agent survived and Allen, who was injured but not shot, remains jailed pending trial; prosecutors have charged him with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. The new forensic finding resolved earlier questions about potential friendly fire and was presented by Pirro on Sunday, prompting ongoing federal investigation and legal preparations this week.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- April 25: Individual attempts to storm White House Correspondents' Association dinner; gunfire occurs at Washington hotel.
- Immediately after: Secret Service returns fire; questions arise about source of the shot that struck an agent's vest.
- Following days: Agent survives; suspect identified as Cole Tomas Allen and held by authorities.
- Last week: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said there was no evidence the agent was hit by friendly fire.
- This week/Sunday: Pirro told CNN forensic analysis shows a buckshot pellet from the defendant's shotgun was embedded in the agent's vest.
Why This Matters to You
This incident underscores the ongoing threat to public officials and the importance of security measures. It's a reminder to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity you might see. Your safety and that of your community can depend on it.
The Bottom Line
The Secret Service's bullet-resistant vests proved their worth in this case. The agent survived, and the suspect is awaiting trial. It's a testament to the effectiveness of our security forces. Worth forwarding if you know someone in law enforcement.
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Prosecutors and investigators benefited from forensic evidence tying a pellet from the suspect's shotgun to a Secret Service vest, strengthening the government's case and clarifying the source of the shot.
The Secret Service agent was endangered when buckshot struck his bullet-resistant vest during the April 25 incident, and public confidence in event security and the safety of high-profile gatherings was affected.
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Prosecutor: Buckshot from Suspect Struck Secret Service Vest
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