A California man appeared in federal court Monday to face charges of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
The charges stem from a chaotic Saturday night at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where authorities say 28-year-old Cole Tomas Allen stormed the venue armed with guns and knives, forcing the President to be rushed from the stage while guests scrambled for cover.
Allen, dressed in a blue jail uniform and flanked by public defenders, did not enter a plea during his initial appearance in Washington, according to the Associated Press.
In addition to the attempted assassination charge, he faces counts of transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
READ: “How Many More?” Press Secretary Slams Rhetoric, Funding Gaps After 3rd Assassination Attempt
While a formal motive has not been released, court documents highlight a message Allen allegedly sent to family members just minutes before the assault. In the text, he reportedly referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and detailed various grievances regarding the Trump administration’s policies.
The update on Allen’s legal status follows a revealing interview the President gave to 60 Minutes, where he reflected on the terrifying moments inside the ballroom. Trump described the immediate aftermath not as a scene of division, but one of surprising “camaraderie.”
“There was spirit in that room,” Trump told interviewer Norah O’Donnell. “I mean, it was like the whole country was together. It was pretty amazing. It made a big impression. It was very nice to see.”
The President also took the opportunity to praise the law enforcement officers who intercepted the gunman. One officer was struck by gunfire during the struggle but was saved by his bullet-resistant vest.
Trump confirmed he had spoken with the officer, noting that he was “100%” and in good spirits. He described the security response on tape as a “blur” of professionalism, noting how quickly they drew their weapons once the threat was identified.
READ: Melania Trump Rips Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘Widow’ Gag After D.C. Shooting: ‘Enough Is Enough’
Despite the gravity of the assassination attempt, the President expressed a desire to see the dinner rescheduled, calling it an important event for the country.
He also mentioned that the incident reinforced his commitment to building a high-security ballroom on “the safest piece of land in this country” to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Allen remains in federal custody as the investigation into the security breach continues.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
