White House Correspondents’ Dinner video sparks criticism over one big detail

As social media continues to discuss what happened at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where shots were fired and an armed man was detained as he tried to storm the high-profile event, federal prosecutors have released footage showing a suspect running through the hotel security area with a firearm.

Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for Washington, DC, shared the video to social media on Thursday, and said it shows 31-year-old suspect Cole Allen Tomas shooting at a US Secret Service officer as he rushed through security.

However, X/Twitter users have spotted one significant detail in one corner of the footage, as a sniffer dog can be seen going into a room which the suspect entered moments before, only to seemingly be pulled back by its handler.

Seconds later, the armed individual emerges from the room and sprints towards federal agents.

The footage has resulted in criticism being levelled at security officials, with Collin Rugg of the right-wing news site Trending Politics branding it a “massive failure on every level”:

“BRO WTF,” commented another account:

Podcaster Mario Nawfal tweeted: “Trust the dog. Always trust the dog… and fire the handler!”:

‘America First’ supporter @RealSpitfire said: “The dog knew. Everyone else in this video needs to be fired”:

And former US Department of Energy nuclear scientist Matt Van Swol responded: “A really really good rule for life: LISTEN TO YOUR DOG!!!!!!!!!!!”:

Allen agreed on Thursday to remain in custody as he awaits trial.

When approached for comment, the White House directed indy100 to comments made by Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday.

He said: "[Security] did a pretty good job, actually. They stopped the NFL running back - I mean, he was like a running back. In fact, if he ever got out, they probably could sign him.

"He was a speedy guy, but he was stopped and they had many levels in front of him before he would even come close.

"I can only say that I know a lot of those people at Secret Service and they were good and they were forceful."

At the same time, the president also acknowledged that there is "always room for improvement", before turning to the subject of the White House ballroom.

"He got into the building ... I built buildings like that and when you have a thousand rooms sitting on top of a ballroom and you have the elevators coming down right near the entrance it's a pretty tough situation.

"Now right outside we have something that's on time, on budget - actually ahead of time - and ahead of budget depending on finishes.

"That's built to the highest standards of security. No units on top, no hotel built on top where an elevator comes right down through the middle of it.

"It's a tough location, that's a tough location. I know the people at Secret Service, I think they're great, and I think that Congress has to take care of those people," he said.

Why not read…?

• Hot mic moment reveals Fox News reporter was laughing about lax WHCD security
• White House Correspondents' Dinner: MAGA outrage shut down by Brits as guests take home booze after shooting

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