WASHINGTON (AP) — A California man was charged Monday with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday night. Authorities allege the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, planned the attack for several weeks.
Allen, 31, appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., facing multiple charges, including attempted murder of the president. He was ordered detained pending further hearings. If convicted of the attempted assassination, he faces up to life in prison.
An FBI affidavit states Allen reserved a hotel room at the Washington Hilton, where the event was held, weeks before the dinner. He traveled cross-country from California last week and checked into the hotel a day before the event. The assault occurred as guests gathered in the ballroom, with Allen attempting to rush past security barricades armed with a shotgun and pistol. Gunfire ensued, and Allen was injured but not shot. A Secret Service agent was shot but survived wearing a bulletproof vest, officials said.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the agent fired five shots and that Allen discharged his shotgun at least once. It remains unclear how many shots struck the agent or whether other officers fired their weapons. Ballistics experts are analyzing evidence to determine details of the shooting.
Authorities also charged Allen with two firearms counts, including discharging a weapon during a crime of violence, though it is not confirmed whether he shot the officer. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the incident as a disruption of the event, which was Trump’s first attended as president.
During his arrest, Allen invoked his right to remain silent. However, an email he sent to family and former employer provides insight into his motives. In the message, Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed grievances related to Trump administration policies, according to the affidavit.
Allen’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology and a master’s in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He worked part-time at a college admissions counseling company and contributed $25 to a Democratic political action committee supporting Kamala Harris for president in 2024.
Neighbors and family members could not be reached for comment. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting and Allen’s motives as legal proceedings move forward.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
