Follow Us on Google
A California man accused of opening fire at a Washington gala attended by U.S. President Donald Trump has been charged with attempted assassination and multiple firearms offences.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, appeared in a federal court on Monday following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner over the weekend.
Prosecutors said Allen allegedly attempted to force his way through security at the Washington Hilton while armed, sparking a confrontation with law enforcement officers near the venue.
During the chaos, a Secret Service agent was struck in a bullet-resistant vest but was not seriously injured. Trump and other senior officials were swiftly escorted to safety.
Other News
Reflecting on the incident, Trump struck a defiant tone, saying, “I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world.”
He also revealed that he initially mistook the gunfire for a minor disturbance inside the venue before realising the gravity of the situation.
“I thought it was a tray being dropped,” Trump said, recounting the tense moments before security agents moved him out of the hall.
Allen did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance and remains in federal custody. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
