Arabic version: رجل من كاليفورنيا متهم بمحاولة اغتيال ترامب
A California man faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was charged with attempted assassination and two firearms offenses following his court appearance in Washington, D.C. on Monday. According to BBC News, he did not enter a plea during the hearing.
Prosecutors stated that Allen was armed with a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives when he breached a security checkpoint at the event. A Secret Service agent was hit but not seriously wounded during the incident and has since been released from the hospital. The agent was reportedly shot in the chest but was protected by a ballistic vest. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed that Allen discharged his shotgun at least once during the attack.
The suspect’s actions have prompted a review of security protocols for high-profile events at the White House. Law enforcement officials are investigating Allen’s motivations, which he allegedly outlined in messages to family members prior to the attack. He reportedly expressed a desire to target high-ranking government officials, indicating that he was prepared to harm others to reach his intended targets.
Allen’s background includes a master’s degree and a history of political donations, including a contribution to a Democratic political action committee. He is currently being held without bail and faces a potential life sentence if convicted of the assassination charge. A subsequent court appearance is scheduled for Thursday as prosecutors consider additional charges.
In response to the incident, a senior White House official stated that President Trump supports the leadership of the Secret Service and that a meeting will be convened to reassess security protocols for major events. The White House Press Secretary emphasized that Trump believes the security measures in place were effective during the incident, while also blaming political violence on divisive rhetoric. The future of the White House Correspondents’ dinner remains uncertain as security measures are evaluated.
