Photos show Trump assassination suspect strapped with guns moments before he rushed security

Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, appears in newly released photos armed with two guns and multiple knives taken about 30 minutes before he allegedly tried to breach the event’s security.

The 31-year-old teacher from Torrance, California, took a mirror selfie with his cellphone inside his Washington Hilton hotel room at 8:03 p.m., appearing to smirk for the camera while dressed in black with a red tie and strapped with weapons, as seen in court documents released Wednesday. He was also allegedly carrying additional ammunition, pliers and wire cutters.

Investigators allege that shortly after taking the selfie, Allen began carrying out a pre-planned sequence of actions. Around 8:30 p.m., he reportedly sent out a series of prescheduled emails containing what authorities describe as an “Apology and Explanation” document, which they are treating as part of a manifesto outlining his grievances and intentions.

Soon after sending the emails, Allen allegedly left his hotel room armed and moved through the building using interior stairwells to avoid heavily monitored security areas. He allegedly took the stairs down multiple floors and emerged near access points leading toward the ballroom, where the event was underway.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m., Allen approached a security checkpoint after removing a long coat that allegedly concealed a shotgun, according to the documents. He then ran through a metal detector and moved toward the stairs leading down to the ballroom, while holding the shotgun and allegedly pointing it as he ran.

open image in gallery

open image in gallery

A Secret Service officer saw Allen fire the weapon toward the stairs and immediately responded by firing five shots at him. The suspect was not hit but fell to the ground, was quickly restrained by law enforcement, and arrested. Allen suffered only a minor knee injury, according to the documents.

The incident caused panic inside the venue, where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and many of his cabinet members were quickly evacuated from the stage area as gunfire and alarms disrupted the event.

Officials later confirmed that Allen was taken into custody after being subdued by law enforcement.

open image in gallery

At the time of his arrest, Allen was allegedly carrying a fully loaded 12-gauge shotgun with additional ammunition attached and stored in a bag, along with a loaded handgun and extra magazines. Authorities say he also had knives, daggers, holsters, a sheath, pliers, wire cutters and a cellphone. Records indicate both firearms were legally purchased in California at different times, according to the documents.

Allen is now facing multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, discharging a firearm during a violent crime and weapons-related offenses. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.