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NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 3, 2026United States

Federal Prosecutors Detail Case Against White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting Suspect

Federal authorities have charged 31-year-old Cole Allen with attempting to assassinate the President during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Prosecutors allege Allen, a former NASA intern, planned the attack after the President's attendance was announced and shot a Secret Service officer during the incident.

crimelaw enforcementnational securityWhite House Correspondents' Dinnerassassination attempt
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Why It Matters

The case involves a high-profile security breach at a major public event and the attempted assassination of a sitting President, resulting in federal charges that carry significant legal penalties.

Key Facts

  • Cole Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate the President, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and interstate transport of a firearm with intent to commit a felony.
  • Prosecutors state that forensic evidence, including a pellet from a Mossberg shotgun, confirms Allen shot the Secret Service officer.
  • The incident occurred on April 25 at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
  • Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives when he breached the security perimeter.
  • Authorities allege Allen began planning the attack on March 2, immediately following the announcement of the President's attendance.
  • The suspect is a mechanical engineering graduate and former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory intern.
  • Allen has been arraigned but has not yet entered a plea.
  • The suspect allegedly authored a manifesto outlining plans to target administration officials.

Who's Mentioned

personKash Patel“FBI Chief mentioned in the suspect's alleged manifesto.”personCole Allen“The 31-year-old suspect charged with attempting to assassinate the President.”locationWashington Hilton“The site of the White House Correspondents' Dinner and the shooting.”organizationNASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory“Former employer of the suspect.”personDonald Trump“The President of the United States and alleged target of the shooting.”personJeanine Pirro“US Attorney for the District of Columbia.”