Federal prosecutors say 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen is now facing attempted assassination of the president after allegedly targeting President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Allen appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., where he spoke clearly and forcefully when questioned by the judge, identifying himself by full name and confirming he holds a master’s degree.
Authorities allege the California native carried out a calculated attempt to breach security at the Washington Hilton, where Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and top administration officials were gathered.
Roughly 20 minutes after the president arrived, Allen allegedly approached a security checkpoint armed with a shotgun and opened fire.
A Secret Service agent was struck during the confrontation but survived, shielded by a bulletproof vest.
Agents quickly subdued and arrested Allen before he could reach the ballroom.
Allen now faces multiple federal charges, including transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony and discharging a weapon during the incident.
More over at The New York Post:
WHCD shooting suspect Cole Allen charged with trying assassinate President Trump https://t.co/9OOf0i19tn pic.twitter.com/z6LWC7uymA
— New York Post (@nypost) April 27, 2026
