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Suspect in WHCD Shooting Charged With Attempting to Assassinate Trump

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, also faces two federal gun charges.

Members of law enforcement respond during a shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington

Tom Brenner/AP

Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old suspect accused of attempting to enter the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night while carrying multiple firearms, was formally charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during his first appearance in federal court Monday.

Allen is also facing two federal gun charges, including interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. He did not enter a plea and will reappear in court in three days to determine if he will remain in detention, according to NBC News.

Authorities identified Allen, a California resident, as the suspect arrested Saturday night. They said he planned to target high-profile members of the administration during the annual dinner, a gathering of thousands of journalists, administration officials and politicians that took place at the Washington Hilton.

During the brief arraignment Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine said Allen was found to have a .38-caliber semi-automatic pistol, 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and three knives, according to NBC News.

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Authorities apprehended Allen after he ran through a metal detector at a security checkpoint on the floor above the annual gala that Trump, Vice President JD Vance and several Cabinet officials attended.

FBI Director Kash Patel and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche are scheduled to appear at a press conference at 3 p.m. to present more information about the shooting.

This is a developing story and will be updated.