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U.S. District Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Monday warned against political violence in the nation’s capital as prosecutors announced charges against a suspect accused of attempting an assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The case centers on Cole Allen, who authorities say traveled across multiple states before allegedly opening fire at the Washington Hilton, where President Donald Trump and other senior officials were attending the annual event.
“Washington, D.C., is not the place to travel to commit acts of violence,” Pirro said. “The Constitution and the laws of the United States permit us to register our views through our voices and our votes. What they don’t permit is making your views known through violence, especially violence directed at the president of the United States.”
Pirro said the incident is part of a broader pattern, noting that three recent cases involved suspects traveling across state lines with firearms to carry out attacks in Washington.
Among them, Elias Rodriguez is accused of traveling from Chicago and fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers in May 2025. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, is charged with traveling from Washington state and killing a National Guard member while injuring another in November.
Allen, prosecutors say, traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington with the intent of targeting the dinner. He is accused of discharging a shotgun at a security checkpoint before being subdued by law enforcement.
“Let this be a message to anyone who thinks that Washington, D.C., is the place to act out political violence,” Pirro said, “and if you are willing to do so with a firearm and cross state lines, we will find you.”
Todd Blanche said it remains unclear whether Allen fired the shot that struck a Secret Service agent, whose ballistic vest prevented serious injury.
Allen appeared in federal court on Monday and has not yet entered a plea. If convicted, he could face a sentence of up to life in prison.
Officials said no other serious injuries were reported after the suspect allegedly rushed a security perimeter and was stopped before reaching the ballroom.
