Attack at Trump's dinner/ What are the charges against the perpetrator?

2026-04-28 10:04:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The suspect in the shooting at a ceremony in Washington, where US President Donald Trump was due to speak, was charged with attempted assassination, as well as a broader conspiracy targeting senior government officials.

The federal attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced the charges at a press conference on April 27 - two days after the attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

She said the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, is expected to face additional charges as the investigation continues.

"Those are just three charges included in the report... there will be other charges as the investigation progresses ," Pirro said.

"But, let there be no doubt, this was an assassination attempt on the president of the United States ," she added.

On April 25, Allen, 31, from California, opened fire with a shotgun at security personnel, causing panic as President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump quickly fled a nearby room without being injured.

Officials said a security guard was shot as Allen attempted to pass a checkpoint, but was not seriously injured because he was wearing a bulletproof vest. According to prosecutor Pirro, investigators believe he intended to "shoot as many high-ranking government officials as possible."

At the same conference, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said authorities have secured a manifesto that the suspect is believed to have sent to his family.

According to him, it is clear that the main target was President Trump, while other motives are being investigated by the FBI and law enforcement agencies.

According to court documents, Allen had booked a room at the hotel where the dinner was being held on April 6 and had traveled from California to Washington by train.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Washington correspondent, Alex Raufoglu, was present at the ceremony when the shooting occurred.

"It was shocking. Everyone was looking for shelter," said Raufoglu, recalling the first moments.

"Obviously, some immediately started hiding under the table. Reporters immediately started documenting, seeking information. Suddenly the Secret Service appeared and escorted the president out," he added. /REL