A man identified as Cole Thomas Allen has been charged in connection with an alleged shooting incident near a high-profile media dinner in Washington, D.C.
Allen, 31, appeared before a federal court on Saturday (April 25, local time), facing charges that include attempted assassination of the U.S. president and two firearm-related offenses. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
Represented by two assistant public defenders, Allen did not enter a plea during the hearing.
One of his attorneys, Tezira Abe, stated that her client has no prior criminal record and emphasized that “he is presumed innocent at this stage.”
Incident Details
The incident reportedly took place at a formal dinner held at the Washington Hilton, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, along with senior officials and members of the press.
Authorities allege that Allen attempted to approach the venue while bypassing security measures and discharged a firearm. Law enforcement personnel quickly responded, taking him into custody.
Following the incident, the president and vice president were moved to a secure location as a precaution.
