A man accused of attempting to assassinate the President of the United States Donald Trump has appeared in court in Washington, facing charges that could carry a life sentence.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is alleged to have forced his way through security barriers at the Washington Hilton during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where the President and senior officials were attending.
Prosecutors claim Allen was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives when Secret Service agents intervened. He has been charged with attempted assassination, transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Federal prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine alleged Allen “attempted to assassinate the president of the United States with a 12-gauge pump action shotgun”.
At a press conference following the hearing, US attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said: “Make no mistake – this was an attempted assassination of the President of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was.”
Allen remains in custody ahead of a bail hearing later this week, while investigators continue examining evidence and considering further charges.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
