New images show suspect taking selfies before Washington press dinner shooting

In a motion to detain Allen pending trial, prosecutors submitted the new photographs and detailed his pre-attack activities, including checking several websites for live coverage of the dinner and the president's attendance. The filing notes a note on his phone describing surroundings during travel, including "the southwest desert in spring Distant wind turbines looming like snowy mountains across the hazy NM desert." Prosecutors argue the actions were premeditated, violent, and calculated to cause death, and contend there is no condition that would ensure safety if he were released.

Shortly after the hotel-room incident, Allen allegedly rushed the Terrace Level screening checkpoint at the Washington Hilton with a raised shotgun, sprinted through a metal detector, and proceeded toward the ballroom. Prosecutors say he carried a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives as the attack unfolded, prompting evacuations of President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members and other officials; a Secret Service agent was shot but not seriously wounded.

Around 20:03 EST on 25 April 2026, Allen took photos in his hotel room with his cell phone, wearing dress clothes and a shoulder holster. Prosecutors say the photos show weapons strapped to his body, including a sheathed knife, and a bag with ammunition; pliers and wire cutters were also present and later recovered.

Officials say Cole Tomas Allen left his home in Torrance, California on 21 April 2026, traveling by train to Chicago before heading to Washington, D.C., as part of his cross-country travel toward the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.