Shooting suspect charged with attempted assassination of Donald Trump at Correspondents' dinner
Washington: The 31-year-old man from Torrance in California, Cole Tomas Allen, has been officially charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors allege that Allen orchestrated a weeks-long plan to attack the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an event that ended in chaos this past Saturday.
Allen appeared in federal court on Monday, where he was ordered to remain in custody. If convicted of the assassination attempt alone, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Details of the premeditated attack
According to an FBI affidavit, the plot began at least as early as April 6, when Allen reserved a room at the Washington Hilton—the longtime venue for the high-profile dinner. Allen reportedly traveled cross-country from California via train, checking into the hotel just one day before the event.
The criminal complaint states that Allen was armed with:
- A 12-gauge pump-action shotgun (purchased in 2024).
- A .38 caliber semi-automatic pistol (purchased in 2023).
The assault occurred as the dinner was beginning. Authorities say Allen attempted to charge past a security perimeter near the ballroom, leading to an immediate exchange of gunfire with Secret Service agents. While President Trump was rushed from the stage unharmed, guests were forced to take cover under tables as the ballroom was locked down.
Casualties and ballistics
While Allen was injured during the struggle, he did not sustain a gunshot wound. A Secret Service officer was struck by gunfire during the exchange but survived thanks to a bullet-resistant vest.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that at least one agent fired five rounds, while Allen is believed to have fired his shotgun at least once. Ballistic experts are currently determining if the officer was hit by Allen's weapon or friendly fire.
Suspect background and motive
Investigations into Allen’s background reveal a "highly educated" individual with no prior criminal record. A graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) with a degree in mechanical engineering, Allen also recently earned a Master’s degree in computer science from California State University at Dominguez Hills.
While Allen invoked his right to remain silent, the FBI recovered an email sent to his family and a former employer. In the message, Allen reportedly
- Labeled himself a “Friendly Federal Assassin”.
- Expressed grievances regarding the Trump administration.
- Offered apologies to his family and bystanders for the impending violence.
Records indicate Allen was a registered non-partisan voter who had previously made a small donation to a Democratic PAC in 2024. His former employer, C2 Education, expressed shock at the allegations and is cooperating with the FBI.
Official response
"Violence has no place in civic life," stated acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "It cannot and will not be used to disrupt democratic institutions... we will ensure accountability is swift and certain."
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the attack, stating the event was "hijacked by a crazed individual" intent on harming the president and administration officials.
A detention hearing for Allen is scheduled for Thursday. He is currently represented by public defender Tezira Abe, who reminded the court that her client is presumed innocent.
AP