Trump assassination suspect took mirror selfies strapped with weapons before shooting

WorldPolitics
30 Apr 2026 • 5:23 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump assassination suspect took mirror selfies strapped with weapons before shooting

  • Cole Allen, a 31-year-old teacher, is accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, with newly released court documents including photos of him armed shortly before the incident.
  • The documents show Allen took a mirror selfie at 8:03 p.m. inside his hotel room, dressed in black with a red tie and strapped with two guns and multiple knives, along with additional ammunition, pliers, and wire cutters.
  • Investigators allege Allen sent prescheduled emails containing an "Apology and Explanation" document around 8:30 p.m. before using interior stairwells to avoid security and approach the ballroom where the event was underway.
  • Allen allegedly removed a long coat concealing a shotgun, ran through a metal detector, and pointed the weapon towards the stairs leading to the ballroom, prompting a Secret Service agent to fire five shots, though Allen was not hit and sustained only a minor knee injury before being arrested.
  • At the time of his arrest, Allen was found with a loaded shotgun, a loaded handgun, extra ammunition, knives, and other tools, and now faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination, which could result in a life sentence.

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