Man accused of trying to kill Trump took knife photo: investigators
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Cole Allen, charged with attempting to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner and kill President Donald Trump, took a photo of himself minutes before the incident wearing tactical gear, including an ammunition bag, gun holster, and knife.
- Allen tried to breach security near the Washington Hilton ballroom, leading to a gunfire exchange with Secret Service agents; Trump was unharmed, while a Secret Service officer was shot but survived due to a bullet-resistant vest.
- Prosecutors revealed Allen had monitored Trump's movements online during the event and sent preset emails with an "Apology and Explanation" attachment around the time of the attack, indicating premeditation.
- Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, was charged with attempted assassination and is considered a serious danger to the community; a hearing on his custody status is scheduled for Thursday.
- Trump was quickly evacuated from the event and later commented on the attack, suggesting Allen was a "lone wolf" and emphasizing the impact of his presence at the event.
