Allen Charged With Attempting to Assassinate Trump
Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh on Monday approved the unsealing of the case against Cole Allen, the accused gunman in the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner shooting, as the suspect learned he will face three charges, including attempt to assassinate the president of the United States.
The 31-year-old man from Torrance, California wore a blue prison jumpsuit for his initial appearance in federal court. Allen spoke respectfully to Sharbaugh, answering, “No your honor,” when asked if there was any reason he would not be able to understand the proceedings.
Allen is facing three counts, including attempt to assassinate the president of the United States, transporting firearm across state lines and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The attempted assassination charge could carry a sentence of life in prison, if convicted.
Jocelyn Ballantine, a federal prosecutor, told Magistrate Judge Sharbaugh that Cole Tomas Allen came to Washington with a pump-action shotgun, a pistol and three knives, all with the intent of carrying out a political assassination, The New York Times reported.
The court has set a hearing for Thursday morning to determine whether Allen will be kept in detention. Allen did not enter a plea through his lawyer Tezira Abe.