Allen is expected to face charges including assault on a federal officer and the use of a firearm during a violent crime
Washington
A man accused of attempting a violent attack at a high-profile Washington dinner attended by former US President Donald Trump is set to appear in federal court.
Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California, is scheduled to make his first appearance before a federal judge in Washington.
The court proceeding follows his arrest after an alleged attempt to attack attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, an annual gathering that brings together journalists, politicians, and prominent public figures.
According to officials, Allen is expected to face charges including assault on a federal officer and the use of a firearm during a violent crime. Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in Washington, indicated that formal charges would be filed shortly. Meanwhile, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that additional charges, potentially including attempted assassination, remain under consideration as investigators continue to examine the case.
Authorities revealed that Allen allegedly carried out the attack at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held. He is said to have traveled from California by train and booked a room at the hotel prior to the incident. Investigators also reported that he left behind a manifesto outlining intentions to target senior officials from the Trump administration, with indications that Trump himself may have been among the intended targets.
The incident unfolded when Allen allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed at a security checkpoint inside the hotel. The agent was struck, but a protective tactical vest prevented serious injury. Law enforcement officers quickly subdued the suspect within the security perimeter, averting what officials described as a potentially catastrophic attack.
The gunfire caused immediate chaos inside the ballroom, with attendees scrambling for cover as security personnel rushed to evacuate key figures. Trump, who was scheduled to address the gathering later in the evening, was swiftly escorted away from the stage.
Officials confirmed that Allen was also armed with a handgun and multiple knives at the time of his arrest. He was later taken to a hospital for evaluation. The Secret Service agent received medical attention and was discharged within hours. The case has reignited debate over the security of high-profile political events, especially given that Trump had previously survived two assassination attempts during his 2024 presidential campaign.