A federal court in Washington has charged 31-year-old Cole Allen with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, reports Todayinfo citing Deutsche Welle.
The resident of Torrance, California, also faces charges of using a firearm and assaulting a federal officer. Allen pleaded not guilty at the first hearing but did not claim innocence. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said the suspect brought a 12-gauge pump shotgun and three knives to the capital.
The incident occurred on the evening of April 25 at the Washington Hilton hotel during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner. The attacker opened fire near the security screening area, trying to force his way inside. One bullet hit a Secret Service agent, but his bulletproof vest saved him. The suspect was detained at the entrance. The president and guests were evacuated; no injuries were reported.
According to CBS News, the detainee stated he intended to attack administration officials but did not directly name Trump as a target. Vice President James David Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were also present at the dinner.
Donald Trump posted photos of the suspect on Truth Social, describing him as mentally unstable. He said Allen had published an 'anti-Christian manifesto' and harbored long-term hatred. The president noted that the man's family knew of his issues and contacted law enforcement but could have acted more decisively.
Journalist Jacqueline Heinrich reported on X that the suspect's materials included calls to attack authorities and criticism of Trump.
