Suspect Charged with Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump at White House Correspondents' Dinner
Authorities say a Secret Service vest stopped a bullet as investigators probe letters that described the suspect as a “friendly federal assassin.”
- On Saturday, April 25, 2026, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen allegedly tried to enter the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives. Secret Service agents evacuated President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
- Letters written by Allen before the attack described him as a "friendly federal assassin," citing grievances against the Trump administration. His brother contacted police in New London, Connecticut, shortly after the shooting occurred.
- Described by acquaintances as "on the nicer, quiet side," Allen is a Caltech graduate and math tutor who donated $25 to ActBlue in 2024 and is a member of "The Wide Awakes" organization.
- Federal authorities charged Allen with using a firearm during a crime of violence and assaulting a federal officer. He made his first appearance in federal court on Monday, April 27, 2026.
- Retired state police Lt. Paul Vance called the event an act of terrorism, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the "depraved" act and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez urged an end to political violence.
60 Articles
60 Articles
Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump, during the White House Correspondents Dinner, planned the attack for weeks, crossed the country on a highly armed train, and stayed at the hotel for the event to mock security, according to the prosecutor's office this Wednesday.Allen, a 31-year-old professor living in California, faces charges in a federal court in the District of Columbia for attempted murder…
NEW: DOJ Releases Chilling Pics Showing Deadly Arsenal Cole Allen Brought To WHCA Dinner
Newly released Justice Department photos show the cache of weapons Cole Allen allegedly brought with him to the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner during what prosecutors say was an attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and other top officials. The evidence images, made public as part of the federal case, display a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol and multiple knives, including a large fix…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
