Suspect Armed With Multiple Weapons Subdued At Washington Dinner Event

Video filmed by Bill Frischling / CQ Roll Call shows tense moments inside the Washington Hilton immediately after security forces restrained a suspect during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The shaky handheld footage, captured from an upper-level position behind a glass railing, shows law enforcement officers and Secret Service agents gathered around a shirtless man lying face down near what appears to be a lobby or restroom area. Yellow “POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS” tape is stretched across the scene as some officers kneel beside him while others stand guard. A silver emergency blanket partially covers the individual as the camera moves slightly.

Posted with the caption “Someone on ground with USSS at correspondents dinner,” the video documents the immediate aftermath of the April 25, 2026 incident. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, allegedly rushed a security checkpoint carrying multiple weapons and fired at a Secret Service agent, who was protected by a tactical vest and not seriously injured. He was quickly tackled and taken into custody.

Allen faces federal charges, including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, based on investigators’ review of his writings and actions. The incident briefly disrupted the formal event attended by Trump and other officials, prompting Secret Service to rush the president to safety.

The footage shows the rapid response by authorities during the high-profile gathering.