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NewsCBS News PoliticsApril 30, 2026United States

Suspect in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting agrees to remain in jail

Cole Allen, the man charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, has agreed to stay in federal custody while awaiting trial. His defense team is currently challenging the conditions of his detention, specifically his placement in a 24-hour lockdown 'safe cell.'

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Why It Matters

The suspect in a high-profile assassination attempt against the President will remain in federal custody, with a scheduled for May 11, 2026.

Key Facts

  • Cole Allen agreed to remain in federal detention pending his criminal trial.
  • Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearms-related offenses.
  • A preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
  • Allen is currently being held in a 'safe cell' under 24-hour lockdown.
  • The judge stated she lacks the authority to override jail-imposed security restrictions.
  • Prosecutors allege Allen engaged in 'extensive planning' and possessed a shotgun, knife, pliers, wire cutters, and ammunition.
  • A Secret Service officer (identified as V.G.) was struck in his bulletproof vest during the incident.
  • Prosecutors state ballistics and video evidence show Allen fired a pump-action shotgun toward the Secret Service officer.
  • Defense attorneys argue the government's case relies on speculation and that Allen's pre-attack letter did not explicitly name the President.
  • The defense claims Allen intended to 'minimize casualties' by using buckshot.

Who's Mentioned

otherPresident TrumpotherWhite House Correspondents' DinnerpersonTezira Abe“Defense lawyer for Cole Allen.”otherU.S. Secret ServiceotherThe Washington PostpersonV.G.“U.S. Secret Service officer struck by a round during the incident.”otherIbrahim AksoypersonCole Allen“31-year-old suspect charged with attempted assassination and firearms offenses.”otherWashington, D.C.otherCole AllenotherCBS NewsotherOfficer V.G.otherU.S. MarshalspersonMoxila Upadhyaya“U.S. Magistrate Judge presiding over the hearing.”otherU.S. Magistrate Judge Moxila UpadhyayaotherMiddle East InstituteotherTezira AbepersonDonald Trump“President of the United States and alleged target of the shooting.”otherFBIpersonJD Vance“Vice President of the United States, present at the event.”otherVice President JD VanceotherJustice Department