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Cole Tomas Allen shooting: Reporter flags major security lapses at Washington Hilton; 'slept with assassin in next room'
A journalist recounts security failures at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, describing lax screening and easy access within the hotel. He alleges he slept in the room adjacent to the shooter and details a slow security response and room search process.
Why It Matters
The account raises questions about security protocols at high-profile political events and hotel screening practices, with potential implications for attendee safety and threat assessment.
Timeline
6 Events
Dougherty's account published by The Daily Beast
April 27, 2026
The Daily Beast published Dougherty’s account detailing the security lapses at the Washington Hilton during the WHCD, including the claim that Cole Allen was a hotel guest and the surrounding area around room 10235 posed potential danger.
Delay in securing the room and assessment of booby-trap threats
April 26, 2026
Dougherty described hours-long delays before authorities fully secured the suspect’s room and considered possible explosives; bomb squad units arrived several hours after Allen opened fire, and officers discussed whether a layout of the corridor and room existed.
Slept near the shooter in the next room
April 26, 2026
Dougherty wrote that he had slept the night with an assassin in the next room.
Lapse in hotel security protocols reported
April 26, 2026
Dougherty said arrivals faced no luggage inspections, magnetometers, or ID checks; movement between floors was largely unrestricted, with access near magnetometers achievable with a ticket copy.
Dougherty blocked from entering adjacent room; judge required for search
April 26, 2026
Hugh Dougherty described returning to room 10235 and being stopped by law enforcement, who said they were waiting on a judge to authorize a search of the adjacent room.
Shooting at Washington Hilton during WHCD
April 26, 2026
During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, the shooter, Cole Allen, 31, opened fire. He was neutralized by authorities after the incident.