The United States Department of Justice has released surveillance footage of the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a high profile event in Washington. The nearly six minute video features several clips of the suspect, 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen, walking through corridors and a fitness centre inside the Washington Hilton hotel.
A dramatic part of the footage shows Allen carrying what appears to be a long barrelled gun as he charges through a security checkpoint. He is seen sprinting past uniformed police officers and Secret Service agents in suits before shots are fired.
Prosecutors say Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and knives when he tried to storm the venue of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Trump was attending. Federal officials described the incident as a clear assassination attempt on the president.
According to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the security footage also shows Allen “casing the area” in the hours before the attack. Investigators say he moved repeatedly through public spaces around the hotel, apparently studying the layout and security arrangements.
The attack was thwarted when security personnel confronted Allen near a checkpoint, leading to an exchange of gunfire. A Secret Service officer was injured, but Trump was quickly moved to safety and was not harmed.
Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president and several other federal offences. Prosecutors say additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues and more evidence is reviewed.
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