A California man has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel on Saturday night, federal officials said.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was arraigned Monday in U.S. District Court on charges including attempted assassination of the president, interstate transportation of a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, according to the Justice Department. The charges were filed by criminal complaint, and additional proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
Federal prosecutors allege Allen traveled across the country and entered the hotel where the high-profile political event was being held with firearms concealed on his person before opening fire near a security checkpoint.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case represented a serious threat that was contained only through the rapid response of law enforcement. “This alleged attacker was stopped because of the professionalism and courage of law enforcement officers on the scene,” he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators believe Allen traveled to Washington with the intent to carry out an attack targeting the president and other government officials in attendance. He credited law enforcement with preventing what he described as a potentially mass-casualty incident and said investigators had been working continuously since the shooting.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the response by Secret Service personnel prevented further injuries. “There is no place for political violence in this city,” she said.
According to court documents, Allen made a hotel reservation at the Washington Hilton several weeks before the event and traveled to Washington, D.C., by train from California, transferring in Chicago before arriving in the capital on April 24. He checked into the hotel later that day.
Prosecutors allege that shortly before 8:40 p.m. on April 25, Allen approached a security checkpoint on the terrace level of the hotel leading to the ballroom where the event was being held. He then ran through a magnetometer while carrying a long gun, according to the complaint.
At that time, Secret Service personnel assigned to the checkpoint heard a gunshot. One officer, who was wearing a ballistic vest, was struck in the chest. The officer returned fire, striking Allen, who fell to the ground and was taken into custody by responding agents.
Authorities said Allen was found carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a .38-caliber handgun. He sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and was taken to a hospital before being released into law enforcement custody.
Investigators also reviewed digital evidence and communications tied to Allen in the hours leading up to the incident. According to court filings, he sent a message to family members and a former employer shortly before the attack indicating he expected to be identified as responsible afterward. The message, obtained by investigators, included a written apology and references suggesting advance planning, prosecutors said.
Law enforcement records show Allen legally purchased the shotgun in August 2025 and the handgun in October 2023 from licensed firearms dealers in California. Authorities said serial numbers matched the weapons recovered at the scene.
“The evidence is abundantly clear: Cole Tomas Allen traveled to Washington D.C. for the purpose of assassinating President Trump and targeting members of the Trump administration, “said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thanks to the heroic actions of our brave law enforcement partners who acted quickly and professionally, Allen did not succeed – and now, he will be held fully accountable. This FBI and our interagency partners have worked around the clock over the past two days investigating this case, and today’s charges are the first step in justice being served and providing answers to the American people.”
“Cole Allen traveled across the country with deadly weapons and a plan to assassinate the President of the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “The swift and courageous response of the Secret Service officers prevented unimaginable tragedy. There is no room in this city for political violence.”
FBI officials said the investigation remains active, with agents continuing to examine Allen’s background, communications, and movements leading up to the shooting.
Allen has been charged by complaint and is expected to face a detention hearing in federal court. If convicted on the attempted assassination charge, he faces a potential life sentence.
Read the affidavit here.
About the Author
