by Sharon Rondeau
(Apr. 27, 2026) — At approximately 3:10 p.m. EDT, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche updated the public on charges leveled against Cole Tomas Allen, the California man accused of firing shots at Saturday night’s White House Correspondents Association dinner at the Washington, DC Hilton.
Allen appeared at U.S. District Court between 1:45 and 2:00 p.m. Monday to hear the charges against him. Initially stated as two, there are now three, the latest of which is “attempted assassination of the President of the United States.”
Blanche denounced violence against political figures as having no place in a free society. He then recounted how the events of Saturday night unfolded after Allen fired outside the ballroom where administration cabinet members, hundreds of journalists, members of Congress and other guests were assembled.
“Multiple interviews” have already been conducted, Blanche said, and “this investigation is ongoing.”
“At the right time you will hear information from us as appropriate,” he added in response to rumors circulating about the incident.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington, DC Jeanine Pirro announced additional charges will be brought and that Cole’s intent was to assassinate the president and “as many cabinet members” as possible.
She said on April 6, Allen made a three-day reservation at the Washington Hilton for April 24-26. At 8:40 p.m., Pirro said, Cole “made the decision to rush the ballroom” after Trump and his wife Melania made their entrance.
“Any suggestion that he wasn’t there to do harm” is incorrect, she said, as he had multiple guns and “at least three knives” with him.
At 3:25 p.m., FBI Director Kash Patel took to the podium, stating that all area law enforcers that night worked swiftly and efficiently. He then expressed his appreciation to the Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for their swift reaction to the emergency.
The FBI was quickly able to obtain a warrant to gain access to Allen’s hotel room, Patel said, as well as for a search of Allen’s home in Torrance, CA, where he reportedly lived with his parents.
Allen’s brother, who lives in New London, CT, was also questioned, he said.
He urged the public to thank police officers and other law enforcers for their dedication to protecting the country.
“Due process” in Allen’s case will be served, he said.
He again thanked all parties for “springing into action” at the time of need.
Shortly thereafter, Blanche took questions, followed by Patel.
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