Gunman charged over attempted assassination of Trump
U.S. authorities have filed multiple federal charges against a 31-year-old suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, following a dramatic and foiled attack at a high-profile political gathering in Washington, D.C., where officials say a potential assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was narrowly averted.
The incident occurred on April 25 at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, one of the most prominent annual events in the U.S. political calendar, where senior government officials, journalists and public figures had gathered.
According to prosecutors, Allen allegedly travelled from California to Washington days before the event, checked into the same hotel hosting the dinner, and positioned himself ahead of the gathering.
Authorities said he approached a security checkpoint armed with a firearm and forced his way forward, triggering a rapid response from the U.S. Secret Service.
During the confrontation, a gunshot was fired, leaving one Secret Service agent injured. Officials said the officer survived after being protected by a ballistic vest.
Allen was subdued and arrested at the scene before he could advance further toward the venue, where the president and other top officials were present.
In court, the suspect was formally charged with attempted assassination of the president, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and transportation of a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect was intercepted just one level away from the president, stressing that the swift intervention by security personnel prevented a far more serious outcome.
“Law enforcement did not fail,” Blanche said, commending the response that neutralised the threat.
Investigators believe the suspect deliberately targeted the president and may have intended to attack other senior officials present at the event.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the act as “anti-democratic at its core,” warning that violence against political leaders threatens the foundation of democratic governance.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, said the attack “could have been even worse,” noting that federal agents prevented what he described as a potentially “massive” assault.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect had circulated a document described as a manifesto to family members prior to the attack, suggesting premeditation, although officials say a full understanding of his motive remains under investigation.
Further forensic analysis, including ballistic evidence, is ongoing, with prosecutors indicating that additional charges could follow as the probe deepens.
The incident has triggered heightened security across Washington, particularly as the city hosts major international engagements, including the ongoing state visit of foreign dignitaries.