Man charged in Trump assassination attempt reveals target - CBS
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
New details have emerged in the case of a shooting during an event attended by US President Donald Trump. The suspect has admitted he planned to target members of the administration, according to CBS News.
The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen from Torrance, California. He was detained at the scene.
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton hotel, where an annual dinner was being held. US President Donald Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance, and several senior officials were present, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, FBI Director Kash Patel, and others.
According to law enforcement sources, the detained man later said he intended to open fire on officials in the Trump administration. His motives have not yet been officially disclosed.
Police said between five and eight shots were fired during the incident. The suspect was armed with a rifle, a pistol, and several knives, and attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the entrance to the hall.
What's known about the attacker
According to sources, Cole Allen worked at the tutoring company C2 Education in Torrance. In December 2024, he received a "Teacher of the Month" award.
It has also been confirmed that Allen graduated from the California Institute of Technology in 2017.
After the incident, law enforcement conducted searches near a residence believed to belong to the suspect.
What charges he may face
District of Columbia Prosecutor Jeanine Pirro said Allen is expected to be charged with using a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer.
"It is clear, based upon what we know so far, that this individual was intent on doing as much harm and as much damage as he could," she said.
The suspect is expected to be formally charged in federal court on Monday, April 27.
As a reminder, on the night of April 26, shots were fired during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, after which Donald Trump was urgently evacuated from the hall.
