Defendant in Press Gala Attack Charged With Attempting to Assassinate Trump

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump during the White House correspondents' dinner. He faces two counts of federal gun crimes and one count of attempting to assassinate the President. Allen appeared calm during his court appearance, wearing a neon blue jumpsuit. A federal prosecutor stated that Allen came to Washington with a pump-action shotgun, a handgun, and three knives, intending to carry out a political assassination. A note written by Allen expressed deep anger at the administration and listed administration figures as targets. A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest by a gunshot but was protected by his bulletproof vest. The officer fired five shots at Allen but missed. Allen's court appearance was brief, and he did not enter a plea. The Justice Department is still investigating who fired the shot that struck the officer.