Man accused of trying to kill Trump at media gala agrees to remain jailed

Key Points:

• Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives and trying to kill President Donald Trump, agreed to remain jailed while awaiting trial.
• During the incident at the Washington Hilton, Allen was injured but not shot, while a Secret Service officer was shot but survived due to wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
• Prosecutors allege Allen fired his shotgun at least once, and evidence includes a photo of Allen before the attack showing him equipped with weapons and ammunition; Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in a message alluding to grievances against the Trump administration.
• Allen’s defense argues that the government’s case is based on speculation about his intent and points out inconsistencies in ballistics evidence, while prosecutors maintain that evidence supports Allen firing at the Secret Service agent.
• Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of the president and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence, carrying a potential life sentence if convicted; he is a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, with a background as a tutor and amateur video game developer.