Man charged with trying to kill Trump agrees to remain in custody
The 31-year-old allegedly traveled from California with shotguns, pistols, and knives.
Cole Allen, the 31-year-old suspect charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a black-tie press gala, agreed on Thursday to remain in custody as his case progresses. During a court hearing, his lawyer Tezira Abe stated that Allen would not immediately contest prosecutors' arguments that he is a danger to the community and should be held without bail.
Prosecutors allege Allen carefully planned the attack. He reportedly traveled by train from his California hometown to Washington D.C., armed with a shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol, and multiple knives and daggers. According to the legal filing, Allen stormed a security checkpoint and fired the shotgun outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday. The event hosted approximately 2,600 journalists, politicians, and officials. Prosecutors further claim Allen was "willing to commit a mass shooting inside a room full of the highest-ranking officials in the US government." He faces charges of attempted assassination, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally transporting guns across state lines. He has not yet entered a plea.
- Cole Allen, 31, agreed to remain in custody without contesting danger arguments
- He allegedly traveled from California to Washington D.C. with a shotgun, .38-caliber pistol, and knives
- Charged with attempted assassination and firearm violations; has not entered a plea
Why It Matters
High-profile assassination attempt highlights security vulnerabilities at major political events and raises legal precedents.