Man charged with attempted assassination of Trump in White House correspondents' dinner shooting

A man has been charged with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C.

The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly tried to storm the event armed with guns and knives.

Allen appeared in federal court on Monday to face charges related to the attack, which occurred on Saturday night.

During the chaotic incident, shots were fired, Trump was rushed off the stage, and guests took cover under tables.

One U.S.

Secret Service officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.

Allen was taken into custody at the scene and is now charged with attempted assassination, transport of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

The attempted assassination charge carries a potential life sentence if Allen is convicted.

Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed a motive, but a message Allen sent to family members minutes before the attack referred to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin" and made repeated references to Trump without naming him directly.

Investigators are examining Allen's writings, social media posts, and interviews with family members to understand his mindset and possible motives.

Authorities say Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked into the Hilton hotel hosting the gala dinner.

Video footage shows Allen running past a security barricade while Secret Service agents pursue him.

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