Man accused in DC shooting charged with attempted assassination of Trump
WASHINGTON - Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, faces three criminal charges - including attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump, punishable with up to life in prison - in relation to his allegedly exchanging gunfire with federal officials at the White House Correspondents Association dinner Saturday night, according to prosecutors.
Allen entered federal court in Washington, D.C., shortly before 2 p.m. local time on Monday for the hearing wearing a light blue jumpsuit. Two federal public defenders were present. U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh was presiding.
Allen also faced charges of transporting and discharging a firearm, prosecutors said.
Federal prosecutors asked Monday that Allen be held in federal custody as proceedings in his case continue.
Federal public defenders representing Allen noted at his arraignment hearing that he has no prior criminal record, a factor in custody decisions in criminal cases.
A separate detention hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. local time in Washington on Thursday.
Allen spoke little during his initial arraignment hearing. He confirmed his identity and assured Sharbaugh that he understood the proceedings.
Sharbaugh ruled that Allen was entitled to court-appointed attorneys based on a financial affidavit he had submitted with the court.
The hearing was brief, running less than a half hour. That is common for initial appearances in court.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 11:51 AM.