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DOJ charges against WHCD shooter Cole Allen, including attempt to assassinate POTUS
Federal prosecutors charged Cole Tomas Allen in a complaint with attempting to assassinate the President, transporting a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence after a shooting at the WHCD. He was arraigned in U.S. District Court on April 27, 2026, relating to the April 25 incident in Washington, D.C., which prompted evacuation of officials including Donald Trump. The DOJ's charging announcement on April 28 credits law enforcement for stopping the attack and outlines the case's next steps.
Why It Matters
The charges concern an alleged attempt to harm the President at a major public event and involve federal weapons and violent-crime offenses, underscoring national-security and law-enforcement responses to threats against government officials.
Timeline
3 Events
DOJ confirms charges against Cole Tomas Allen
April 28, 2026
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that Allen is charged by complaint with one count of attempt to assassinate the President of the United States, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche praised law enforcement for stopping the attack, and FBI Director Kash Patel said the evidence shows Allen traveled to Washington, D.C. to target the President and Trump administration members.
Cole Tomas Allen arraigned in federal court on WHCD-related charges
April 27, 2026
Allen was arraigned in US District Court on a complaint stemming from the April 25 incident, facing one count of attempt to assassinate the President, transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
WHCD shooting prompts evacuation
April 25, 2026
Gunshots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, prompting the evacuation of Donald Trump and other government officials and attendees.