Federal prosecutors charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California, on Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump and with two federal gun offenses after a Saturday shooting near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington. [1]
Authorities said Allen allegedly fired several rounds near the event’s security perimeter and struck a Secret Service agent. They said he possessed a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38 semi-automatic pistol and at least three knives. [1]
The gun charges accuse Allen of transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a gun during an act of violence. Prosecutors did not say in the charging details how they believe Allen planned to carry out the attack, but acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said on Sunday that "the motive for the attack is unconfirmed" and that Allen was "likely aiming to target the president and other top administration officials." [1]
Allen initially spoke with officials but is no longer cooperating with law enforcement, authorities said. The report said the attempted-assassination charge could carry life in prison if he is convicted. [1]
The shooting came during the White House Correspondents' dinner on Saturday, and prosecutors filed the charges on Monday. The article said it was the third time someone had tried to assassinate Trump in less than three years. [1]
A new survey cited in the report found that only 27% of Americans are very confident that the Secret Service can protect presidents from harm. [1]
Allen was expected back in court on Thursday to determine whether he would remain in federal custody. [1]