Man charged over attempted attack at White House Correspondents’ DinnerA suspect accused of attempting to breach the White House Correspondents’ Dinner armed with weapons has been charged with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Federal authorities say the disruption of one of Washington’s most high-profile gatherings may have been planned weeks in advance.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, appeared in court on Monday following the chaotic incident on Saturday. Gunfire erupted during the encounter, forcing security agents to quickly escort Trump from the stage while attendees took cover under tables. Allen has been ordered held in custody ahead of further hearings and could face life imprisonment if convicted on the most serious charge.
According to an affidavit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, investigators believe the suspect had made preparations ahead of the event. Authorities allege he booked accommodation at the Washington Hilton weeks before the dinner, arriving shortly before the gathering began. He had reportedly traveled across the country by train from California.
Officials say the 31-year-old attempted to force his way past a security barrier near the main ballroom, where hundreds of journalists and guests were gathered, while carrying multiple firearms. This prompted an exchange of gunfire with United States Secret Service personnel assigned to protect the event. Speaking after the incident, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the violence, stating that such acts have no place in public life and pledged a swift and decisive legal response.
Source: https://apnews.com/
