Attempted Assassination at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

A man suspected of plotting to assassinate President Trump attended the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, equipped with a significant stash of weapons hidden beneath a long black coat, the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Wednesday.

The individual, identified as Cole Allen, took a selfie in a hotel room while wearing a bag filled with ammunition, a shoulder holster, a knife, wire, and pliers. These items were consistent with what authorities found during his subsequent arrest. Reports indicate that about half an hour after taking the photo, he headed towards the event’s security checkpoint.

Before reaching the checkpoint, Allen discarded his coat, which had concealed a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, according to the DOJ’s statement. He then rushed past one of the magnetometers and made his way to the stairs leading to a banquet hall where President Trump, along with his family and Cabinet members, was present.

As per DOJ information, Allen aimed the shotgun parallel to the ground and discharged it. Witnesses reported seeing him fire in the direction of the stairs, prompting officers to return fire, discharging five shots at him.

Upon his arrest, authorities found Allen with a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun that had one spent cartridge in the chamber and eight unfired rounds in the magazine. He also possessed a Rock Island Armory 1911 .38 caliber pistol, loaded with ten rounds, alongside two additional magazines holding nine rounds each.

Following his apprehension, Allen was charged with attempting to assassinate the president, illegally transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. If convicted of the attempted assassination, he faces a potential life sentence.