Federal investigators have confirmed that the U.S. Secret Service officer struck during Saturday’s shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was hit by the suspect’s gunfire, not by friendly fire.
Multiple senior law enforcement officials shared the update on Wednesday, clarifying the chaotic moments that unfolded outside the Washington Hilton ballroom.
The Department of Justice and the ATF determined that 31-year-old Cole Allen fired his shotgun after charging a security checkpoint.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, a total of six shots were exchanged during the confrontation. Allen reportedly fired once, while the Secret Service officer responded with five rounds.
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The single slug from Allen’s shotgun struck the officer directly in his bulletproof vest. Two sources noted that the round likely hit a cellphone tucked into a vest pocket, which helped prevent serious injury. The officer was not hospitalized.
Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, fell to the ground during the struggle and was taken into custody immediately. He did not sustain any injuries during the exchange.
The legal fallout for Allen is significant. He currently faces federal charges, including the attempted assassination of the President of the United States, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony.
Allen made his first appearance in federal court on Monday; however, he has not yet entered a plea regarding the charges.
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