Man Charged in Attempted Assassination of President Trump After Gunfire at Correspondents’ Dinner
A California man has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump after authorities say he opened fire near a secured area at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was taken into custody after authorities say he tried to breach a secured area near the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where journalists, officials, and guests were attending the event. The confrontation led to an exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents, prompting Trump to be escorted from the stage unharmed while attendees took cover.
Investigators say the incident was planned over several weeks. Court filings describe how Allen reserved a room at the hotel earlier this month and traveled from California to Washington, D.C., by train, arriving the day before the event. Authorities allege he brought with him a 12-gauge shotgun and a handgun purchased in prior years.
Security personnel responded as Allen attempted to pass a barricade protecting the area. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said a Secret Service agent fired multiple rounds and that Allen discharged his shotgun at least once. A federal officer was struck in a bulletproof vest and survived. Officials have not confirmed whose bullet hit the agent, and ballistics testing is ongoing.
Allen appeared in federal court on Monday and was ordered held in custody pending further proceedings. He faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of the president and firearms offenses tied to using a firearm during a violent crime. Prosecutors also charged him with transporting firearms across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, based on the cross-country travel described in court filings. If convicted on the most serious count, he could face life in prison.
Following his arrest, Allen invoked his right to remain silent, according to investigators. Court filings also reference a message sent to family members and a former employer before the incident that investigators cite as evidence of planning and intent. The message includes references to political grievances and describes plans for violence, according to the filing.
Under federal law, an attempted assassination charge does not require that a person be harmed. Prosecutors must show that the accused intended to carry out the act and took clear steps toward doing so. Investigators often rely on actions such as travel, possession of weapons, and efforts to bypass security as proof of that intent. U.S. law prohibits transporting firearms across state lines when tied to a planned violent crime, which prosecutors argue applies to the travel described in the case.
Events attended by the president operate under federal security protocols, with the Secret Service responsible for screening and perimeter control. Any attempt to breach those safeguards can trigger immediate use of force and lead to charges tied to protecting national officials.
Additional penalties may apply when a firearm is used during a violent crime, even if no fatal injury occurs. Those charges can carry additional years of prison time and are often filed alongside more serious offenses involving threats to public officials.
The shooting led to the cancellation of the annual dinner, which had just begun when the incident unfolded. The event is typically one of D.C.’s most prominent gatherings, drawing political leaders, journalists, and public figures under tight security.
Public records indicate that Allen has no prior criminal history and has worked in education services. Law enforcement agents were seen at a residence linked to him in Torrance, California, as part of the investigation.
A federal magistrate judge scheduled a detention hearing later this week to determine whether Allen will remain in custody. His attorney noted during the initial appearance that he is presumed innocent.
