Cole Tomas Allen Charged With Attempting To Assassinate President

Topline

Cole Tomas Allen, the alleged gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, is facing two federal firearms crimes and a charge of attempting to assassinate the president of the United States—which could come with a maximum sentence of life in prison, prosecutors said at his formal arraignment on Monday afternoon.

Key Facts

Allen appeared before Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh on Monday afternoon wearing a blue prison jump suit, and did not enter a plea for his charges.

The suspected gunman also faces two federal firearms charges—one for transporting a firearm across state lines, and another for discharging a firearm during a crime.

Allen was remanded back to custody after the hearing, although Sharbaugh scheduled another hearing for Thursday to determine whether he would stay in jail while facing trial.

Allen could face a maximum sentence of life in prison for the charge of attempted assassination.

The Justice Department has previously said Allen could face additional charges, including for assault of a federal officer.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2026/04/27/cole-tomas-allen-charged-with-attempting-to-assassinate-president/