Alleged White House Correspondents' dinner shooter took selfies before attack, court documents show

The images were included in court documents from the U.S. government, arguing against bail for Cole Thomas Allen, who is charged in the attack.

Published: April 29, 2026 12:50pm

Updated: April 29, 2026 2:42pm

New photos show that the man accused of attempting to kill President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday took selfies prior to the incident at the Washington Hilton hotel in the District of Columbia.

The images were included in court documents from the U.S. government, arguing against bail for Cole Tomas Allen, who is charged in the attack, NBC News reported

The photos show the suspect dressed in black slacks, a dress shirt and a red tie. Prosecutors say the images show the suspect had a "small leather bag consistent in appearance with the ammunition-filled bag later recovered on his person," as well as a shoulder holster, a knife, pliers and wire cutters. 

The photos were taken around 8:03 p.m. in Coles' hotel room at the Hilton.

Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, transporting a firearm and ammunition through interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and discharging of a firearm during a crime of violence.

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