A 31-year-old California man has been charged with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump after opening fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, appeared in federal court on Monday wearing a blue prison jumpsuit. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted.
Prosecutors stated that Allen brought a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a handgun, and three knives to the capital. In addition to the assassination charge, Allen is accused of illegally transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Details of the Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
The incident occurred Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, where the annual black-tie gathering had brought together journalists, politicians, and senior government officials. As shots rang out, security personnel rushed President Trump off the stage while guests scrambled for cover under tables.
A Secret Service agent was struck during the attack, but a tactical vest stopped the shot. The agent was released from the hospital several hours later.
U.S. officials stated the suspect was subdued just inside a security perimeter. Following the shooting, Allen was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
The ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’
Authorities revealed that Allen traveled from California to Washington by train and booked a room at the hotel where the dinner was held. He allegedly left a manifesto with family members in which he referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and discussed plans to target senior Trump administration officials.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the attack as the third major assassination attempt against Trump, following two attempts in 2024. Leavitt claimed the rhetoric in the manifesto was indistinguishable from the political criticism directed at the president by the Democratic Party.
Prominent elected Democrats have condemned the shooting.
During his brief court appearance, Allen stated he holds a master’s degree in computer science. His defense lawyer, Tezira Abe, noted that Allen has no prior arrests or convictions.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Allen held in custody. A separate hearing is scheduled for Thursday to consider the prosecutors’ request that he be detained pending trial.
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