A man accused of storming a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and disrupting the annual gathering now faces federal charges that include attempting to assassinate the President Donald Trump, according to Justice Department prosecutors. Cole Allen, 31, appeared in federal court Monday for an initial hearing where he did not enter a plea.
Prosecutors said Allen faces three federal counts, including attempted assassination of President Trump, transporting a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to life in prison, while the firearms-related counts carry additional mandatory minimum penalties that could extend his sentence.
At Monday’s appearance, Allen wore cobalt blue prison clothing and stood before the judge with a stone-faced demeanor, according to courtroom accounts. He is scheduled to return to court Thursday for a detention hearing, with a preliminary hearing set for May 11 unless a grand jury issues an indictment first.
Authorities allege Allen traveled from California to Washington by train and booked a room at the hotel where the dinner was held. He is accused of rushing a security checkpoint and carrying multiple weapons, including a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and several knives, along with dangerous paraphernalia.
In court, prosecutors described a manifesto attributed to Allen in which he allegedly identified White House officials as targets prioritized “from highest-ranking to lowest.” He reportedly referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin.” A White House official said Allen’s sister told authorities he had a tendency to “make radical statements” and had referenced plans to do “something” about problems in the world.
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said Saturday that “additional charges are likely,” and indicated Allen could also face an assault charge involving a federal officer and a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors also raised questions about whether a weapon was discharged or struck law enforcement during the incident.
The incident disrupted the dinner, sending attendees scrambling after shots were reported and law enforcement moved officials to secure locations. President Trump was escorted from the ballroom shortly afterward. Officials said Allen may have acted alone. Trump later said the dinner should be rescheduled within 30 days. Senior Justice Department prosecutors with prior major federal case experience are leading the prosecution.
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