Cole Allen, 31, was charged in federal court Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump after a shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night. The charging documents were unsealed after Allen’s initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh in Washington, D.C.
Charges and court schedule
Allen faces three federal counts: attempt to assassinate the president of the United States; transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony; and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He did not enter a plea and requested court-appointed counsel. Prosecutors are seeking his preventive detention; Allen will remain in federal custody and is scheduled to return for a detention hearing Thursday, with a preliminary hearing set for May 11.
Affidavit and sequence of events
A seven-page FBI affidavit filed with the charging documents lays out investigators’ timeline. According to the affidavit, Allen traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington between April 21 and April 24, checking into the Hilton on his arrival day. Law enforcement says he left a 10th-floor hotel room dressed in black with a shotgun, a handgun and several knives in a black bag, used an interior stairwell to descend roughly 10 flights, and emerged on the terrace level near a security checkpoint for the dinner.
The affidavit states that at about 8:40 p.m. Allen ran through a magnetometer while holding a long gun. Secret Service personnel at the checkpoint heard a gunshot; Secret Service Officer V.G. was struck in the chest but was protected by a ballistic vest. Officer V.G. returned fire. The affidavit says Allen fell, suffered minor injuries but was not shot, and was taken into custody.
Weapons and evidence displayed
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro displayed photos of weapons alleged to have been carried by Allen: a 12-gauge pump-action Mossberg shotgun, a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38-caliber pistol, and “at least three knives and all kinds of paraphernalia,” according to prosecutors. They say Allen purchased the shotgun on or about Aug. 17, 2025, and the pistol on or about Oct. 6, 2023. Pirro said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues and characterized the incident as an attempted assassination.
Investigations under way
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel outlined investigative actions at a press briefing. Blanche said agents seized multiple devices from Allen’s hotel room and his California home and are examining ballistics and other forensic evidence. Investigators are seeking to determine whether the round that struck the Secret Service officer was fired by Allen or by law enforcement, and Blanche emphasized the need for accuracy on that point. He also said evidence beyond a manifesto has been found but declined to detail it publicly.
Patel said the FBI deployed a mobile command center, sent evidence to its Quantico lab, and interviewed numerous witnesses, praising agents’ on-scene performance. Blanche defended the overall law enforcement response, saying officers “did not fail.” Both officials said the probe remains active and more evidence and possible charges are being evaluated.
Secret Service response and security questions
Secret Service Director Sean Curran defended his personnel and said the agency will review how events are designated for special security protections on a case-by-case basis. He declined to explain the placement of the security perimeter, citing classified information.
Questions about entry procedures at the dinner emerged after attendees reported uneven ID checks. CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean, who attended the event, said his ID was never checked and a screenshot of an invitation was accepted. Reports noted that magnetometers were used to enter the ballroom itself but that hotel entry did not require identification. Critics and some lawmakers urged reviews of protocols for large events.
Officials’ reactions and policy proposals
Republican lawmakers and White House officials said the shooting highlighted the need for more secure venues when the president attends public events. Sen. Lindsey Graham previewed legislation to seek $400 million in federal funding to build a ballroom attached to the White House with underground Secret Service and security facilities; Sens. Katie Britt and Eric Schmitt have joined him. Supporters said such a facility could reduce security risks tied to off-site presidential appearances.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended the dinner, described the evening as “surreal” and supported proposals for a secure facility. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles will convene a meeting with senior law enforcement and Department of Homeland Security leaders to review security at major events. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed inflammatory rhetoric from Democrats for inspiring violence and urged Congress to fund DHS, saying the administration stands by the Secret Service.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has sued to halt construction of a privately funded White House ballroom, said it will not voluntarily dismiss its lawsuit despite a Justice Department letter arguing the shooting underscores the need for an on-site secure venue.
Congressional oversight and other developments
Lawmakers have sought briefings with the Secret Service. The Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled a bipartisan briefing for Chairman Chuck Grassley and top Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin, and chairs of the House Oversight and Homeland Security committees have also requested briefings. Officials reiterated that the investigation is ongoing.
Photos of the seized weapons were shown at the U.S. Attorney’s press conference. Despite the incident, the planned arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House proceeded after a security review. Allen remains in federal detention as authorities continue to analyze evidence and consider additional charges.