WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cole Allen of Torrance, California, appeared in federal court on April 27, 2026, charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump during a shooting two days earlier at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington, D.C. Allen also faces charges of transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce for use in a felony and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

If convicted, Allen could face life in prison. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Allen could face more charges as the investigation progresses. His next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

Secret Service agents responded to the shooting at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026, near the event's main magnetometer screening area. Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other dignitaries were rushed out of the venue and were unharmed. A Secret Service agent wearing an armored vest was struck in the chest and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. No additional injuries were reported.

Authorities believe Allen carried multiple weapons in a duffel bag and used a stairwell out of public view to approach the ballroom. He descended 10 flights of stairs to reach the event and sprinted toward the ballroom before being tackled after firing a brief burst of gunfire. He was arrested at the scene.

Prosecutors said Allen emailed family and friends minutes before the attack outlining his reasoning. In the letter, Allen used a vulgar slur to describe a person he did not want representing him, calling that person a pedophile, rapist and traitor. Allen also listed administration officials as his targets, prioritizing them from highest to lowest rank.

Trump said, "I wasn't worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world." He said he had read a document attributed to Allen. "I read a manifesto. He says he's radicalized." Trump also said, "He was a Christian, a believer, and then he became an anti-Christian." Trump has talked about rescheduling the dinner.

A group of high school students who were tutored by Allen described him as "generally very intelligent" and "normal and friendly," and said they were profoundly shocked when they learned of his possible involvement in the attack. A motive was not immediately known.