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New charge added in Trump assassination plot case
A California man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump now faces a fourth federal charge, including assault on a U.S. officer with a deadly weapon, prosecutors announced Tuesday.
Indictment details
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was formally indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempting to kill Trump, two firearms offenses, and the new assault charge. The indictment replaces earlier criminal complaints filed last week.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro approved the superseding indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday. Allen appeared in Washington D.C. federal court last week but has not entered a plea.
The April 25 incident
Prosecutors allege Allen forced his way through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on April 25, armed with a semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun, and three knives. The attack occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were present.
Gunfire erupted as Allen allegedly rushed the venue, prompting security to evacuate Trump and other dignitaries. Attendees took cover under tables while officers returned fire. A Secret Service agent was struck but not seriously injured, though questions remain about whether the agent was hit by crossfire.
Suspect's background and motives
Allen, a Torrance, California resident, studied at the California Institute of Technology and attended Pasadena United Reformed Church. Federal campaign records show he donated $25 to a Democratic PAC supporting Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential campaign.
Court documents reveal Allen allegedly sent an email to family members before the attack, stating: "Administration officials... are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." He allegedly added, "I would still go through most everyone here to get to the targets if it were absolutely necessary."
"The evidence suggests a premeditated attempt to target high-level officials," prosecutors stated in court filings.
Security review and next steps
The incident has triggered a White House security review, though details of the investigation remain undisclosed. Allen remains in federal custody and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
His next court appearance has not been scheduled. The case continues to unfold as authorities examine Allen's motives and the full scope of the security breach.
