Security footage from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner reveals a K9 handler allegedly pulled back a detection dog moments before it could alert to the armed attacker who later stormed the venue with a shotgun.

What the Footage Shows

Law enforcement video captured near the magnetometer security checkpoints shows a K9 handler and dog moving through a doorway into a side room. The dog appeared to be pulling toward something, but the handler yanked the animal back and walked away. Within seconds, the alleged attacker emerged from that same room carrying a shotgun, according to security footage reviewed by multiple outlets.

Other law enforcement personnel were visible in the hallway, with some leaning against walls while two Secret Service officers appeared to be disassembling one of the two magnetometers, possibly preparing equipment for transport after the event. The alleged attacker ran into the hallway moments after the K9 handler departed the area. Law enforcement immediately engaged, firing at the suspect and apprehending him before he could harm attendees.

Limited Casualties Despite Attack

The only firearm-related injury reported was to a Secret Service member who took a round to his bulletproof vest. No attendees were harmed during the incident. Following his apprehension, the alleged attacker reportedly described himself to authorities as a “friendly federal assassin,” according to reports cited by the Los Angeles Times. Investigators are examining what security protocols may have failed and whether the K9’s alert was properly handled.

Questions About Security Response

The incident has sparked serious questions about security procedures at high-profile Washington events. K9 units are specifically trained to detect threats, and handlers typically allow dogs to follow scent trails when they show alert behavior. Security experts are analyzing why the handler departed the area without investigating what triggered the dog’s interest. The Secret Service has not yet released an official statement addressing the handler’s decision or the security setup that allowed an armed individual to bypass initial screening areas.