Story perspectives

Armed Gunman Allen Tries Trump Assassination, Injures Officer

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen photographed himself armed with multiple weapons before the White House Correspondents’ dinner attack and then attempted to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton dinner on April 25, wounding a Secret Service officer.
Prosecutors say Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and Washington on April 24.
Prosecutors seek to keep him detained, citing his weapons and an email titled “Apology and Explanation” as dangerous.

History

Historical Context

The 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley Jr., who fired six shots outside the Washington Hilton, shocked the nation. The Secret Service, after the incident, increased agent armament, allocating $2 million to acquire additional firearms and protective gear. Similarly, Cole Tomas Allen photographed himself armed with multiple weapons before the 2024 White House Correspondents’ dinner and attempted to shoot President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton. These recurring threats underscore the need for continual security reforms and heightened vigilance to protect national leaders from evolving domestic violence tactics.

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Story summary

Cole Tomas Allen photographed himself armed with multiple weapons before the White House Correspondents’ dinner attack and then attempted to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton dinner on April 25, wounding a Secret Service officer.
Prosecutors say Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and Washington on April 24.
Prosecutors seek to keep him detained, citing his weapons and an email titled “Apology and Explanation” as dangerous.

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