Story perspectives

Tutor-Developer Shoots Secret Service Agent at Washington Hilton, Evacuates Trump

4/30/2026

32 6

Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old tutor and game developer, entered the Washington Hilton with a shotgun, pistol and knives, wounding a Secret Service agent whose vest stopped the bullet.
He sent a manifesto calling himself a “friendly federal assassin” and naming senior officials as targets before arrest.
The shooting forced the evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and journalists, and the press secretary called it a “depraved crazy person” attack.

History

Historical Context

On January 8 2011, Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot at a Tucson constituent meeting, where gunman Jared Lee Loughner killed six people and injured many others. The incident, recorded by store cameras, remains a reference point for security concerns. The 2024 Washington Hilton assault on a political figure echoes that earlier attack, underscoring persistent threats.

1 of 2

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old tutor and game developer, entered the Washington Hilton with a shotgun, pistol and knives, wounding a Secret Service agent whose vest stopped the bullet.
He sent a manifesto calling himself a “friendly federal assassin” and naming senior officials as targets before arrest.
The shooting forced the evacuation of President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and journalists, and the press secretary called it a “depraved crazy person” attack.

1 / 2