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NewsThe GuardianMay 5, 2026United States

New assault charge filed against White House correspondents' dinner suspect

Federal prosecutors have added a charge of assaulting a federal officer to the existing indictment against Cole Tomas Allen, who is accused of attempting to assassinate government officials at the White House correspondents' dinner. The new charge stems from allegations that Allen fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent during the incident.

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Why It Matters

The addition of an assault charge increases the potential legal penalties for the defendant, who is accused of attempting to assassinate the President and other officials at a public event.

Key Facts

  • Cole Tomas Allen faces a new four-count federal indictment including assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon.
  • The defendant is accused of firing a shotgun at a US Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint.
  • The agent was struck in the chest but was not seriously injured due to a bulletproof vest.
  • The indictment includes three previous charges: attempted assassination, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegal transportation of a firearm and ammunition across state lines.
  • Prosecutors allege the defendant intended to assassinate the President and other senior officials at the Washington Hilton.
  • The incident occurred on 25 April at the annual White House correspondents' dinner.
  • Approximately 2,500 people were in attendance at the event.
  • Evidence includes video footage of the incident and a shotgun pellet recovered from the agent's vest fibers.

Who's Mentioned

date25 April“Date of the incident.”date29 April“Date of a previous court filing.”other2,500“Number of guests at the event.”locationWashington Hilton“The site of the White House correspondents' dinner.”personDonald Trump“The President who was allegedly the target of the assassination attempt.”other31“Age of the defendant.”personTodd Blanche“Acting Attorney General.”personJeanine Pirro“US Attorney for the District of Columbia.”personCole Tomas Allen“The defendant accused of attempting to assassinate government officials.”