A federal grand jury indicted the alleged gunman who attempted to disrupt the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on four charges on Tuesday.
Cole Allen, 31, was charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, assaulting an officer or employee of the United States with a deadly weapon, and two other related firearms charges: transportation of a firearm and ammunition through interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Allen allegedly fired a shotgun during the April 25 black-tie gala for journalists and public officials, hitting a Secret Service agent while attempting to enter the room where the dinner was being held.
Allen’s charge of assaulting a U.S. officer marks the first time he has been formally accused of shooting a Secret Service agent.
Allen has agreed to remain detained until his trial and has not yet entered a plea.
Prosecutors alleged that Allen “knowingly attempted to kill the president of the United States” in court filings.
Allen’s manifesto, which was first published last week by the New York Post, accused Trump of being a “pedophile, rapist, and traitor.”
“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” he wrote, adding that “administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
PIRRO SAYS TRUMP DINNER SHOOTING SUSPECT ‘DEFINITIVELY’ SHOT SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Allen also took a photo of himself in the hotel room with weapons, including an ammunition-filled bag, a shoulder holster, a knife, and other tools, moments before heading to the dinner. He also allegedly scheduled his manifesto to be sent to his family members, friends, and a former employer.
The trial will be overseen by a randomly assigned Trump appointee, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden.