WASHINGTON, D.C. April 27, 2026 – U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced today that Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been charged in federal court with crossing state lines with a firearm with the intent to assassinate President Donald Trump.
The charges stem from a shooting incident on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton. Authorities say Allen crossed state lines from California armed with a firearm (and reportedly knives) and allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint in the hotel foyer. One Secret Service agent was wounded but saved by a ballistic vest. President Trump, the First Lady, and other high-ranking officials were safely evacuated from the stage as guests took cover. Allen was arrested at the scene.
In a press conference Monday, Pirro stated:
“Today we have Cole Allen… charged with crossing state lines coming from California with a firearm with the intent to commit felony here in this district. Let this be a message to anyone who thinks that Washington DC is [the] place to act out political violence.”
She continued: “And if you are willing [to] do so with firearms across state lines, we will find you, we’ll track your steps from the inception of your plan and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. Washington DC is not [the] place to travel to commit acts of violence.”
Pirro stressed that while the Constitution protects free speech and voting, it does not permit violence—especially against the President of the United States. “This is anti-democratic at its core,” she said.
Allen faces three federal counts so far:
- Attempted assassination of the President of the United States
- Interstate transportation of a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony
- Discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence
Additional charges are expected. He appeared in federal court Monday in a blue jail uniform, was represented by court-appointed counsel, and did not enter a plea. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing. Prosecutors are seeking to detain him before trial.
Allen, who has a background in computer science, mechanical engineering, and game development, was identified by law enforcement sources as the suspect shortly after the incident.
The FBI and Secret Service continue to investigate. The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner is one of Washington’s premier annual events, traditionally attended by journalists, politicians, and administration officials.
U.S. Attorney Pirro made clear that political violence will not be tolerated: “The Constitution and laws of the United States permit us to register our views through our voices [and] votes. What they don’t permit [is] making [our] view known through especially violence directed at the President of the US.”
Life News Agency will continue to follow developments in this case.
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