Photo: Alamy
The man accused of shooting a U.S. Secret Service agent while attempting to breach security at a Washington event attended by President Donald Trump is expected to appear in federal court Monday.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is scheduled for an initial appearance in Washington two days after authorities said they stopped an attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, an annual gathering of journalists, officials and public figures.
Charges have not yet been formally filed, but U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Allen is expected to face counts including assault on a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said additional charges, including attempted assassination, are possible as investigators continue to review evidence.
Officials said Allen left behind writings in which he referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined plans to target senior administration officials who were attending the event. Blanche said those potential targets likely included Trump.
Authorities said Allen traveled by train from California to Washington and booked a room at the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was being held.
The shooting disrupted the high-profile event Saturday night, sending attendees scrambling for cover and prompting security personnel to evacuate senior officials. Trump, who was scheduled to speak, was rushed away after shots were fired.
According to investigators, Allen allegedly fired a gun at a Secret Service checkpoint inside the hotel before being subdued by agents. He was also armed with a handgun and multiple knives, officials said.
A video later shared publicly showed a man running through a hallway near the ballroom before being stopped in a secured area. The Secret Service agent struck in the shooting was protected by a ballistic vest and released from the hospital hours later.
Allen was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for evaluation following the incident. Monday’s court proceeding is expected to be brief, with a judge advising Allen of his rights. Prosecutors are expected to seek his detention as the case moves forward.
