A 31-year-old California man has been formally charged with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appeared in federal court on Monday facing multiple charges, including attempted assassination of the president and firearms offences. He did not enter a plea during the hearing and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
According to prosecutors, Allen was heavily armed with a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives when he forced his way past a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the high-profile event was being held. The dinner was attended by top officials, including Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and senior cabinet members.
During the incident, law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the suspect before subduing and arresting him. A member of the United States Secret Service was struck in the chest but survived due to a ballistic vest and has since been released from hospital.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the charges, while Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche described the officer’s actions as heroic, noting the agent returned fire before the suspect was brought down.
Investigators say Allen had traveled across multiple states in the days leading up to the attack, leaving California on April 21, passing through Chicago, and arriving in Washington shortly before the event. He checked into the same hotel where the dinner was held, raising further questions about event security.
Authorities have not yet established a clear motive, though officials emphasized that the suspect appeared intent on causing maximum harm. Additional charges include transporting firearms across state lines to commit a violent crime and discharging a weapon during such an offense, each carrying potential prison sentences.
The case has intensified scrutiny of security arrangements at major political events and prompted an ongoing review of protective protocols for the president. Allen is scheduled to appear in court again later this week as the investigation continues.
