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Man, 31, Accused In Trump Assassination Attempt Agrees To Remain In Custody
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump agreed to remain in custody at a court hearing on April 30, 2026. The incident unfolded at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on April 25, 2026, where prosecutors say he traveled with weapons and planned an attack, while the defense raised questions about the government's case. He has not entered a plea.
Why It Matters
The case involves high-profile political figures and questions of national security, with ongoing legal proceedings determining the defendant's custody status and potential charges related to an alleged planned mass shooting.
Timeline
2 Events
April 30, 2026: Court hearing and custody decision
April 30, 2026
During the hearing, Cole Allen agreed to remain in custody while his case progresses and did not contest prosecutors' claim that he posed a danger to the community. He is charged with attempted assassination, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegally transporting guns and ammunition across state lines; he has not entered a plea. Defense lawyers argued there were flaws in the government's case, including questions about whether Allen shot a U.S. Secret Service agent. Officials said the agent was struck by gunfire but spared serious injury due to a ballistic vest.
April 25, 2026: Shooting outside White House Correspondents' Dinner
April 25, 2026
Cole Allen, 31, allegedly stormed a security checkpoint and fired a shotgun toward stairs leading to the ballroom at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A U.S. Secret Service agent heard a loud bang, and a spent cartridge was found in the shotgun barrel. Prosecutors say Allen traveled by train from California to Washington armed with a shotgun, a .38-caliber pistol, knives and daggers, and was willing to commit a mass shooting inside a room with about 2,600 attendees. They cited an email Allen allegedly sent to relatives on the night of the shooting referring to Trump as a traitor and a criminal, and indicating an intent to target administration officials from highest to lowest rank.