WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, was formally charged on Monday, April 27, 2026, with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump. The charges follow a chaotic and violent security breach during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner held on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton.
The Incident: A Breach at the Hilton
At approximately 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, while the dinner was underway inside the main ballroom, Allen reportedly stormed a security checkpoint on the hotel’s Terrace Level. Allen Holding a long gun, he allegedly sprinted through a magnetometer, ignoring commands from law enforcement.
Authorities state that Allen discharged a firearm during the encounter. A U.S. Secret Service officerwas struck in the chest but was saved by his ballistic vest. Secret Service personnel returned fire, though Allen was not hit. He was tackled and taken into custody after sustaining a minor knee injury during the struggle.
In his initial appearance in U.S. District Court, prosecutors unveiled a multi-count complaint against Allen. The charges include: Attempted Assassination of the President (18 U.S.C. § 1751), Transportation of a Firearm and Ammunition in Interstate Commerce with intent to commit a felony, and Discharge of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence. If convicted of the assassination attempt, Allen faces up to life in prison.
Investigation into Allen’s background reveals a man who was, until recently, living a seemingly quiet life in Southern California. Allen is a graduate of the California Institute of Technology and recently earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Cal State Dominguez Hills. He worked as a part-time tutor and amateur video game developer.
Federal officials recovered a written "manifesto" and social media posts containing anti-administration and anti-Christian rhetoric. In a letter sent to family members shortly before the attack, Allen referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and stated his intent to target members of the Trump administration. The FBI alleges Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., arriving the day before the dinner. He was found in possession of a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38 caliber pistol, and multiple knives.
The evidence is abundantly clear that Cole Tomas Allen traveled to Washington D.C. for the purpose of assassinating President Trump and targeting members of the Trump administration," said FBI Director Kash Patel.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the "courage and professionalism" of the officers at the scene, noting that their swift response prevented "unimaginable tragedy."
The White House has announced a full review of security protocols for future presidential events. Meanwhile, President Trump has used the incident to advocate for the construction of a dedicated White House ballroom, arguing it is essential for national security.
Allen is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a detention hearing this Thursday.
