A man accused of trying to breach security at a Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president, a judge said in court.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, faces charges on three counts, including attempting to assassinate the president and firearms violations. He made his first appearance in Washington federal court on Monday, two days after authorities said they foiled an attack at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
“He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J Trump,” prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said in court. Allen has not yet responded to the allegations. Seated at the defence table flanked by US Marshals, Allen said he would answer all questions truthfully and that he had a master’s degree in computer science.
US Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Allen detained while the case moves forward. Another hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
