Man charged with attempting to assassinate Trump to remain in custody
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington DC, has agreed to remain in custody as his federal case proceeds.
- Allen allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, firing a shotgun outside the ballroom where Trump, the first lady, and cabinet members were present, causing chaos and evacuation.
- Prosecutors claim Allen traveled from California armed with multiple weapons and planned a mass shooting targeting top US officials during the gala attended by around 2,600 people.
- Allen faces charges including attempted assassination, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegal transportation of weapons; he has not yet entered a plea.
- His defense questions aspects of the government's case, noting Allen's lack of prior criminal record and active church involvement, while prosecutors have not confirmed if Allen shot a Secret Service agent who was protected by a ballistic vest.
