Federal prosecutors on Wednesday unveiled new evidence against Cole Allen, the 31-year-old California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during last Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Among the newly released materials is a mirror selfie Allen allegedly took in his hotel room just 30 minutes before he charged a security checkpoint.
According to the Department of Justice, the photo shows Allen wearing a shoulder holster, a sheathed knife, and a bag packed with ammunition. Investigators also noted the presence of wire cutters and pliers, items they say were later recovered from his person following his arrest at the Washington Hilton.
READ: California Man Charged With Attempted Assassination Of President Trump After WHCA Dinner Attack
The DOJ’s timeline reveals that after the photo was taken, Allen approached the terrace-level screening area. Before reaching the magnetometers, he reportedly discarded a long black coat that had been concealing a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun.
Prosecutors say Allen then sprinted through a metal detector and toward a staircase leading to the ballroom where the President, his family, and Cabinet members were seated.
Witnesses and officials state Allen raised the shotgun parallel to the ground and opened fire. A Secret Service officer, observing the suspect firing toward the staircase, responded by firing five shots at Allen. One officer was struck during the exchange but was saved by a ballistic vest.
READ: Florida Rep. Luna Blasts FISA Plan, Demands Warrant Requirements And GOP Accountability
At the time of his apprehension, Allen was found with a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun containing one spent cartridge and eight live rounds. He also carried a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38-caliber pistol loaded with 10 rounds, along with two additional magazines.
Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate a U.S. president, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and interstate transportation of firearms with intent to commit a felony. The assassination charge alone carries a potential maximum penalty of life in prison.
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