Secret Service neutralises gunman near White House following alleged assassination attempt
Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department launches probe to determine if suspect targeted President Trump or Vice President JD Vance's motorcade
US Secret Service agents returned fire on Monday to wound a gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, near the White House in Washington DC. The exchange triggered a brief lockdown and resulted in a non-life-threatening injury to a child. Allen has been taken to hospital and is now in custody, facing charges including attempting to kill President Donald Trump.
The incident unfolded after plainclothes agents identified a suspicious individual believed to be carrying a firearm. When uniformed officers arrived, Allen attempted to flee and opened fire. Agents shot him, and a weapon was recovered from the suspect. Deputy Director Matthew Quinn stated that while there is no evidence the suspect intended to target Vice President JD Vance's motorcade, which passed through the area shortly before the incident, the investigation will determine the specific target.
A child was struck during the exchange; while the injuries are not life-threatening, it remains unclear who shot the minor. Investigators believe the suspect fired the shot that injured the child. The Secret Service confirmed that Allen has been charged with attempting to kill Trump, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally transporting guns and ammunition across state lines.
Allen has not yet entered a plea. This incident occurs against the backdrop of an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last month, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated. Federal investigators confirmed the gala gunman intended to assassinate President Trump and top officials, prompting increased scrutiny of security protocols for the event.
A joint FBI and terrorism task force has launched a probe into the breach, supported by the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department. The department is currently investigating whether the suspect targeted President Trump or Vice President JD Vance's motorcade. This event is considered the third assassination attempt against Trump since 2024.
