The suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports. The charges were filed during a court appearance on Monday afternoon.
Details of the Charges
The suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, faces additional charges including transportation of a firearm and ammunition in intrastate commerce with intent to commit a felony, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
Justice Department's Statement
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Attorney General Todd Blanche defended law enforcement's response to the incident. 'We are investigating this matter fully, we will apply the law fairly, and we will ensure that accountability is swift and certain. But we also should recognize what did not happen. Law enforcement did not fail. They did exactly what they are trained to do,' Blanche stated. He emphasized that the outcome was not accidental but resulted from preparation and professionalism.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that more charges against Allen are expected soon. She claimed the suspect's motive was 'to bring down as many of the high-ranking Cabinet officials' as possible.
Background of the Suspect
Allen, who reportedly has no prior convictions and worked as a tutor, was arrested on Saturday evening after gunfire erupted at the White House Correspondents' Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. A Secret Service Uniformed Division officer was shot while wearing a bulletproof vest but has since been released from the hospital.
Note to Family
A law enforcement official revealed that Allen sent a note to family members just 10 minutes before the shooting, referring to himself as the 'Friendly Federal Assassin.' He claimed the security at the event was so lax that he thought he was being pranked. The note also included derogatory remarks about the president, stating he was 'no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.'
Security Protocols Under Review
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that changes in security protocols are not 'out of the question.' 'We view it as a great responsibility to ensure the maximum safety of the president and the vice president and the entire Cabinet. And so we're always looking for ways to improve security,' she said during a separate press conference on Monday.
Controversy Surrounding the Dinner
The dinner, which Trump attended for the first time as president, was controversial. Many news outlets, including HuffPost, declined to attend in protest of the administration's attacks on the free press. Trump has since announced that the dinner will be rescheduled.
