Man accused of trying to assassinate Trump charged after Washington shooting

Federal authorities in the United States have charged a California man accused of trying to assassinate Donald Trump, the US president, following a shooting outside a high profile press event in Washington.

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, appeared in federal court on Monday facing a three count complaint that includes attempting to kill the president, along with firearms offences. Prosecutors say he could face life in prison if convicted.

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Investigators allege Allen opened fire as he tried to breach security at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where Trump and senior officials were attending. A United States Secret Service agent was hit but protected by a bulletproof vest, and the suspect was quickly overpowered.

In court, prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said the intent behind the attack was clear. “He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J Trump,” she told the court.

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Prosecutors said Allen travelled across state lines with weapons that included a 12 gauge pump action shotgun and three knives. He also faces charges of illegally transporting a firearm and discharging a weapon during a violent crime.

Allen, dressed in a blue jail uniform, spoke briefly during the hearing, saying he would answer questions truthfully and that he holds a master’s degree in computer science. His lawyer, Tezira Abe, said he has no prior arrests or convictions. He has not yet entered a plea.

Matthew Sharbaugh, US Magistrate judge, ordered that Allen be held in custody, with a further hearing scheduled to decide whether he will remain detained as the case proceeds.
After the hearing, Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for Washington DC, said the suspect was “intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could”.

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At the White House, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the swift response by security showed the system worked.

“You had a perpetrator who tried to breach the security parameter that was set up by Secret Service, and he was running as fast as he could and was immediately neutralised moments later,” she said.

She added: “The deranged lies and smears against the president, his family, his supporters have led crazy people to believe crazy things, and they are inspired to commit violence because of those words. It has to stop.”

The case marks the latest in a series of security incidents involving Trump since 2024, as concerns grow over rising political violence in the United States.