Federal authorities in the United States have charged a 31-year-old man with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump after a shooting incident at a high-profile press event in the US capital.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, faces a three-count federal complaint that includes attempted assassination and firearms-related charges, prosecutors announced on Monday. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, a black-tie gathering attended by journalists, politicians, and senior government officials. Authorities said Allen attempted to breach security at the venue, the Washington Hilton hotel, where the president was present.
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, the suspect traveled by train from California to Washington, arriving a day before the event and checking into the same hotel hosting the dinner. During the programme, he allegedly approached a security checkpoint carrying a long gun and ran through a magnetometer, triggering an immediate response from security personnel.
A US Secret Service agent was shot in the chest during the confrontation but was protected by a ballistic vest. The officer returned fire, discharging multiple rounds, after which the suspect was subdued and taken into custody at the scene.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine told the court that the suspect had intended to assassinate the president. Authorities also cited an alleged manifesto in which the suspect reportedly outlined plans to target senior administration officials. Washington’s interim US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
According to Al Jazeera, the shooting marks the third alleged attempt on Trump’s life since 2024, intensifying concerns over political violence in the United States.
The suspect made an initial court appearance in Washington, DC, wearing a prison jumpsuit and stating he would cooperate with proceedings. A federal magistrate judge ordered him to remain in custody pending further hearings.
The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, with the White House accusing opponents of contributing to a climate of hostility. However, officials said the president does not view the breach as a failure of security, noting that the suspect was quickly intercepted and neutralized by Secret Service personnel.
Investigations into the suspect’s motives, weapons procurement, and potential accomplices remain ongoing.
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