×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Sunday
17
May 2026
weather symbol
Athens 23°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by Cloudevo
> World

How the Secret Service agent was saved from the armed attacker who opened fire thanks to his mobile phone (video)

The head of communications of the US Secret Service stated that the protective gear worn by the agent who was shot by the 31-year-old assailant “likely helped prevent a potential tragedy”

Newsroom April 27 11:58

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

A U.S. Secret Service agent was spared a serious injury when his mobile phone stopped the path of a bullet during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, according to a report.

The agent, whose identity has not been disclosed, was discharged from the hospital he had been admitted to following the serious incident that took place at the Washington Hilton hotel, where Washington Hilton was hosting the event. Former President Donald Trump was also present, along with his wife Melania Trump and senior U.S. government officials.

Video captured the moment an armed man rushed toward the area where metal detectors were located in the hotel lobby. The attacker fired at least once, striking the bulletproof vest of a Secret Service agent from the United States Secret Service.

According to a brief report by authorities cited by The Atlantic, the bullet was partially stopped thanks to the agent’s mobile phone.

The Secret Service communications chief, Anthony Guglielmi, said that the protective equipment “likely helped prevent a potential tragedy.”

pic.twitter.com/zcgVgZivwD

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026

The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, a Kamala Harris active supporter, after gunshots were heard outside a ballroom where approximately 2,500 people were present — including President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, and JD Vance — during the annual event.

The president described the suspect as a “lonely and paranoid individual” following the incident, which occurred at around 8:35 p.m. local time on Saturday at the Washington Hilton.

Allen was carrying a rifle, a handgun, and multiple knives. Authorities found a manifesto with “anti-Christian” content, which he had sent to relatives shortly before the attack, in which he referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin.”

>Related articles

Fire caused by a drone attack at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi

“Go and take it”: The Trump administration reportedly urged the United Arab Emirates to “put boots on the ground” on Lavan Island

An international criminal network was selling fake medicines to seriously ill patients in Greece as well: turnover reached €240 million – Arrests and investigations in six countries

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed that initial findings suggest Allen had targeted government officials, with the president likely among them.

Allen graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017 with a degree in mechanical engineering. According to his LinkedIn profile, he was a member of the university’s Christian community as well as the NERF club. NERF weapons are toy blasters that fire soft darts and are popular among both children and adults. Allen participated in the university’s NERF team during his studies in the early 2010s.

Allen is expected to appear in federal court on Monday, facing charges including assault on a federal officer, use of a firearm, and potentially attempted murder.

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

#anti-christian#assassination attempt#Cole Allen#Democrats#extreme left#far-left#Kamala Harris#left#leftists#Liberals#President Donald Trump#secret services#usa#video#White House Correspondents’ Association dinner#woke#world
> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Erdogan is legislating even the maps of his imagination, fully adopting the concept of casus belli

May 17, 2026

Fire caused by a drone attack at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi

May 17, 2026

Mitsotakis: Elections in 2027, only through a third New Democracy government term does the sure path to Greece 2030 pass (updated)

May 17, 2026

“Go and take it”: The Trump administration reportedly urged the United Arab Emirates to “put boots on the ground” on Lavan Island

May 17, 2026

More than 100 drones on standby for wildfire season across Greece

May 17, 2026

Upper secondary school promotion and graduation exams begin tomorrow

May 17, 2026

Kyriakos Mitsotakis sets out the election dilemmas at the New Democracy congress: Strong mandate and self-reliance to avoid backsliding

May 17, 2026

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 was won by Bulgaria with 516 points after a thriller finish against Israel – Akylas finished 10th for Greece

May 17, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα