Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - The man accused of opening fire at a Washington gala attended by Donald Trump was charged on Monday, April 27 with attempting to assassinate the president.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, appeared in
Washington federal court two days after authorities foiled an attack at the
White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. Allen, who holds a master's
degree in computer science and has no prior criminal record, faces a potential
life sentence if convicted.
During the brief hearing, prosecutors stated that Allen
traveled from California by train and brought a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun
and three knives to the event. In addition to the assassination attempt, he
faces charges for illegally transporting a firearm across state lines and
discharging a weapon during a crime of violence.
According to an FBI affidavit, Allen booked a room at
the Washington Hilton weeks in advance and sent an email to family members
referring to himself as the "Friendly Federal Assassin," outlining
plans to target senior administration officials.
The shooting caused chaos at the prominent social gathering,
forcing attendees to seek cover and prompting security to whisk the president
off stage.
While Allen reportedly ran through a security checkpoint
holding a long gun, he was detained after a Secret Service officer fired a
shot; Allen was not hit but was treated for minor injuries.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized that such
violence has no place in civil life, while federal prosecutors indicated that
further charges are expected as the investigation continues.
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