A California man has been charged with the attempted assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump following a shooting that disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, appeared in federal court on Monday after allegedly storming the event armed with firearms and a knife. Authorities say the attack forced an immediate evacuation of attendees, while Trump was escorted to safety and remained unharmed.
Prosecutors allege the incident was premeditated, with Allen having booked a hotel room weeks in advance at the venue, the Washington Hilton, where the high-profile event was being held. He reportedly travelled cross-country before attempting to breach a security barricade near the ballroom, prompting an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents.
According to investigators, Allen was carrying a 12-gauge shotgun and a .38-calibre handgun at the time of the attack. Officials say he discharged his weapon at least once, while a Secret Service agent fired multiple shots during the confrontation. One agent was struck but survived after being protected by a bullet-resistant vest.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the violence, stating that such acts “cannot and will not be used to disrupt democratic institutions or intimidate those who serve them.”
Allen, who was injured during the incident, remains in custody and faces multiple federal charges, including firearms offences in addition to the attempted assassination count. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Authorities are continuing to investigate key details, including the number of shots fired and whether the suspect’s weapon caused the injury to the Secret Service agent.
The shooting has raised renewed concerns over security at high-profile political events in Washington, even those with extensive protective measures in place.
