Pirro: Evidence Cole Allen Shot Agent, Raising Stakes in Trump Attack Probe

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the government now has evidence that Cole Allen shot a federal ​agent ​during an alleged attempt ⁠to assassinate ​President Donald Trump at ​last weekend's White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.

"We ​now can ​establish that a pellet that ‌came ⁠from the buckshot from the defendant’s Mossberg pump-action shotgun ​was ​intertwined ⁠with the fiber of the ​vest of the ​Secret ⁠Service officer," Pirro said during an ⁠appearance ​on CNN on Sunday.

Why It Matters

That adds weight to the case against Allen. Until now, it had been unclear whether investigators would be able to produce direct forensic evidence linking the suspect's weapon to an injury during the chaotic exchange of gunfire. Early accounts focused on intent and the rapid intervention by security, with officials noting that the Secret Service officer was protected by a ballistic vest and no serious injuries were immediately reported. Determining whether a round physically struck an officer-and conclusively tying that projectile to a specific weapon-can take time, making Pirro's disclosure of ballistic evidence a significant development in the case.

What to Know

Pirro's comments come as Allen faces federal charges connected to the shooting, including attempted assassination of the president and assault on a federal officer. Authorities allege that Allen rushed a security checkpoint outside the dinner armed with a shotgun, prompting an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service personnel tasked with protecting Trump and other attendees. Trump was rushed from the venue and was not injured.

The disclosure strengthens the government's narrative that Allen fired directly at law enforcement during the incident, a key element in supporting the most serious charges filed in the case. Allen has not entered a plea, and his attorneys have previously questioned aspects of the government's evidence. The investigation remains ongoing as the case moves through federal court.

On Thursday, Pirro, while releasing footage of the incident, downplayed suggestions that friendly fire hit the Secret Service agent, writing on X:

“Today, we are releasing video already provided to U.S. District Court showing Cole Allen shoot a U.S. Secret Service officer during his attempt to assassinate the President at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. There is no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire. The video also shows Allen casing the area in the Hilton Hotel the day before the attack. My office along with the @FBI will continue this extensive investigation to bring Cole Allen to justice.”

Secret Service Director Sean Curran described the shooting of the Secret Service agent on Fox News’ The Will Cain Show on Thursday, saying, "All the evidence that I've seen, the suspect shot our officer point-blank range with a shotgun. Our officer heroically returned fire while being shot."

Allen remains in custody and has not yet entered a plea.

What Happens Next

Allen is scheduled to appear in federal court again in the coming weeks as the case proceeds through pretrial hearings. Investigators have said the probe remains ongoing, and court proceedings could determine whether additional charges are filed as more forensic and ballistic analysis is completed.

This is breaking news story. More information will follow.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 10:21 AM.