A federal grand jury indicted Cole Tomas Allen, 31, on May 5 with attempting to assassinate President Donald J. Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and includes four counts: attempt to assassinate the president, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The charges follow an incident on April 25 when Allen allegedly rushed security at the hotel event attended by President Trump. According to prosecutors, he fired a Mossberg Maverick 88 shotgun at a U.S. Secret Service officer while trying to reach the ballroom where the president was located.
“Today’s indictment underscores a simple truth: there is evidence this defendant intended to assassinate the president, and that he shot a U.S. Secret Service officer after he traversed the country with a cache of ammunition to accomplish his goals,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “I commend our law enforcement partners for their swift action to neutralize this threat and prevent the death of the President. The use of violence to register dissent is anti-democratic at its core. We will pursue the maximum punishment available under the law against anyone who travels to the District of Columbia to engage in such acts.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, “As alleged in today’s indictment, the heavily armed defendant rushed security and shot a Secret Service Officer in an attempt to assassinate President Trump— but was stopped thanks to the courageous and immediate response from law enforcement... Under the leadership of President Trump, violent political actors will never win— we will prosecute anyone who engages in these horrific acts to the fullest extent of the law.”
FBI Director Kash Patel added that Allen "traveled to Washington D.C. attempting to assassinate President Trump and senior members of his administration" but "was only stopped by brave security personnel who stood in the way." Patel said that FBI efforts on this case have been ongoing since "the night of attack" and would continue until justice is served.
At arrest, authorities say Allen had multiple weapons including two firearms—a shotgun used in shooting—and significant quantities of ammunition as well as knives and other tools.
The investigation continues under FBI Washington Field Office and Metropolitan Police Department supervision; prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn Ballantine, Charles Jones, and Adam Barry from National Security Section.
