WASHINGTON, United States — Federal prosecutors have charged Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, with attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, officials said on Monday, April 27, 2026.
Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, faces a three-count criminal complaint that includes firearms-related charges, according to prosecutors. If convicted on the most serious count, he could face a sentence of up to life in prison.
Court Appearance and Charges
During his initial appearance in federal court in Washington, Allen wore a blue prison jumpsuit and was ordered held in custody by Matthew Sharbaugh pending further proceedings. A follow-up hearing on his detention was scheduled for Thursday.
“He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J Trump,” prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said in court.
Allen has not yet entered a formal response to the charges. Addressing the court, he said he would answer questions truthfully and noted that he holds a master’s degree in computer science.
Details of the Incident
Authorities said the shooting occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel during the annual correspondents’ dinner, a high-profile event attended by senior government officials and journalists.
According to Todd Blanche, the suspect approached a security checkpoint on the terrace level of the hotel, above the ballroom where Trump was present.
“He ran through the magnetometer holding a long gun. As he did so, US Secret Service personnel assigned to the checkpoint heard a loud gunshot,” Blanche said.
A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest but was protected by a ballistic vest. The officer returned fire, discharging several rounds before Allen was subdued and arrested.
Investigation and Alleged Motive
Jeanine Pirro said investigators were examining evidence suggesting the suspect had identified administration officials as targets.
“Make no mistake, this was an attempted assassination of the president of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was – and that intent was to bring down as many of the high-ranking cabinet officials as he could,” Pirro told reporters.
She said authorities had recovered a semiautomatic pistol, a shotgun and three knives, adding that the firearms were believed to have been purchased in California.
Officials also cited an alleged written document attributed to the suspect, describing plans to target officials “prioritised from highest-ranking to lowest.”
Travel and Arrest
Blanche said Allen travelled by train from the Los Angeles area to Chicago and then to Washington, arriving in the capital on April 24.
He checked into the Washington Hilton hotel shortly before the event.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect breached the security perimeter briefly before being stopped by Secret Service personnel.
Official Response
The incident has drawn reactions from the White House, where officials rejected suggestions of a security failure.
“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,” said Karoline Leavitt.
She also criticised political rhetoric directed at the president.
“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,” Leavitt said. “It has to stop.”
Continuing Investigation
Officials said additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses. Authorities have not indicated that other suspects were involved.
The shooting is being investigated by federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as part of a broader inquiry into the incident.
This story is developing.
