Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has been charged with three federal crimes after allegedly attempting to storm the White House correspondents' dinner on Saturday night. The charges include attempting to assassinate the US president, transportation of firearms to commit a felony, and unlawful discharge of a firearm during violence.
Allen appeared in federal court on Monday in a blue jail jumpsuit, represented by lawyers from the federal defender's office. Three US marshals sat behind him. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh asked if Allen had taken any drugs recently, to which he replied no. Allen has no prior criminal record in Los Angeles county.
According to federal prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine, Allen was armed with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a pistol, and three knives. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that additional charges would follow, warning that political violence would be prosecuted to the fullest extent.
The affidavit quotes a manifesto allegedly sent by Allen to family members, in which he referred to the president as a "pedophile, rapist, and traitor" and listed administration officials as targets. Allen is believed to have travelled by train from California to Washington, checking into the Washington Hilton where the dinner was held.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen rushed through security at 8.40pm on Saturday, one floor above the reception. An officer was shot in the chest but was protected by a ballistic vest; the officer fired five times but did not hit Allen. Allen will appear for a detention hearing on 30 April and a preliminary hearing on 11 May.
