Alleged correspondents' dinner shooter is charged with trying to assassinate Trump
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- Cole Allen, 31, was formally charged with three counts including attempting to assassinate President Trump after a thwarted attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
- Allen breached a security perimeter and was stopped by law enforcement; one Secret Service agent was injured but not seriously, and multiple weapons were recovered from the suspect.
- Video footage showed Secret Service agents quickly evacuating President Trump and Vice President Pence as shots were fired, while attendees took cover under tables.
- Allen allegedly sent a manifesto to family members expressing intent to target Trump administration officials and had a history of making radical statements; he worked as a part-time teacher and was described by acquaintances as quiet and intelligent.
- The White House Correspondents' Association called the shooting a "harrowing moment" and plans to assess the situation; the event was postponed and is expected to be rescheduled.
