U.S. authorities have charged a man with attempting to assassinate the President.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly fired shots in the security entrance to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington D.C.
Senior U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, were in attendance.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background
The White House Correspondents’ Association represents hundreds of media outlets and journalists who cover White House news.
It hosts an annual dinner event for members of the press and U.S. Government officials, including the President. The dinner is broadcast live.
On Saturday night (Washington, D.C. time) a gunman fired shots in the security screening area. A Secret Service officer was struck, but was protected by a bulletproof vest.
The President, First Lady and Vice President were evacuated from the event, while other attendees hid under tables.
A suspect was detained and taken into custody. He was identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen.
The charges
On Monday (D.C. time), Allen fronted court and was charged with:
- Attempting to assassinate the President;
- Transporting a firearm interstate with intent to commit a crime; and
- Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
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The maximum prison sentence for attempting to assassinate the President is life.
There is no death penalty in D.C.
“The evidence is abundantly clear: Cole Tomas Allen traveled to Washington D.C. for the purpose of assassinating President Trump and targeting members of the Trump administration," - FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday (U.S. time).
Alleged shooter
Allen is believed to have caught a train from his home near Los Angeles to Chicago, then a second train to Washington D.C. The journey would have taken at least 60 hours.
He booked to stay three nights at the Washington Hilton, where the WHCA Dinner was held.
Allen was in possession of two guns, which he legally purchased in California.
Allen, a video game designer and part-time teacher, sent his family a “manifesto” before the alleged shooting.
The New York Post obtained the document, where Allen listed his targets and reasons, signing off as the “Friendly Federal Assassin”.
“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” he said.
Allen said he was surprised by a low level of security around the event, and that he “want[ed] to throw up” thinking about his planned actions.
What’s next?
The FBI has been tasked with investigating the case. Media inside the courtroom reported Allen is due to return on Thursday.
Trump called the alleged shooter a “sick person” on the CBS News program 60 Minutes. He has also vowed to reschedule the dinner “within 30 days.”
Despite the incident, an official U.S. and White House visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla has proceeded.
