Cole Tomas Allen, 31, agreed to remain in federal custody as his case advances after allegedly firing a shotgun near the ballroom of the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Prosecutors say Allen traveled from Torrance, California, armed with multiple weapons and intended to target administration officials. He faces charges including attempted assassination and illegal transport of firearms across state lines, while his defense questions elements of the government's account and notes he has no prior convictions.
Man Accused of Attempted Assassination at White House Correspondents' Dinner To Remain in Custody
FBI agents depart after entering a house associated with the suspected shooter at the press gala.Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images(Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images)
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, agreed on Thursday to remain in federal custody as his criminal case proceeds after the alleged attack at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, court records show.
Allen's attorney, Tezira Abe, told a federal judge that her client would not immediately contest prosecutors' request to keep him detained on the grounds that he poses a danger to the community.
Alleged Attack
Prosecutors say Allen breached a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton and fired a shotgun near the doors leading to the ballroom where President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and other officials were already seated for the black-tie event. The gala was attended by roughly 2,600 journalists, politicians and guests.
According to court filings, federal agents on the scene drew their weapons and fired as Allen charged past security toward the basement-level ballroom. Allen was not struck by gunfire; agents wrestled him to the ground and arrested him. Event organizers halted the dinner and Secret Service agents escorted the president, Vice-President J.D. Vance and other officials from the room.
Weapons, Travel and Evidence
Prosecutors allege Allen traveled by train from his Southern California hometown of Torrance to Washington armed with a shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol and multiple knives and daggers. Investigators say a spent shotgun casing was found lodged in the barrel, and a Secret Service agent reported hearing a "loud bang." Court filings say Allen fired toward a set of stairs leading down to the ballroom.
Charges and Allegations
Allen faces federal charges that include attempted assassination, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines. He has not yet entered a plea.
Defense Position
In filings, Allen's lawyers raised questions about aspects of the government's account, including whether a Secret Service agent was actually struck by gunfire, as officials initially reported. The defense also noted Allen has no prior arrests or convictions and described him as an active member of his Christian church community.
Prosecutors' Motive Allegation
Prosecutors cited an email Allen allegedly sent to relatives the night of the incident in which he appeared to describe the president as a traitor and signaled intent to target administration officials "from highest to lowest rank," though the message did not name President Trump directly.
The case remains in federal court as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare further filings and upcoming hearings.
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