A 31-year-old California man, Cole Tomas Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump after he allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington D.C. on Saturday night. Allen, who appeared in court on Monday, faces additional firearms charges and could receive life in prison if convicted.
According to prosecutors, Allen was armed with a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives when he rushed past a security barrier at the Washington Hilton hotel. A Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but was saved by a ballistic vest and has since been released from the hospital.
During the hearing, Allen, dressed in a blue jumpsuit, remained calm and answered the judge's questions softly. He holds a master's degree and studied at the California Institute of Technology. Investigators revealed that Allen traveled from Torrance, California, to Chicago and then to Washington D.C., arriving the day before the gala. He had allegedly sent an email to his family beforehand, stating that "administration officials... are targets" and that he would go through anyone to get to them.
The incident prompted an immediate security review of the president's protection protocols. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended law enforcement, noting that "hundreds of federal agents" were between the gunman and the president. The White House chief of staff plans to convene a meeting to discuss event security. President Trump has also assured the safety of King Charles III, who is on a state visit to the U.S.
Allen has not cooperated with investigators, and additional charges may be filed. He is due back in court on Thursday.