On May 5, federal prosecutors filed an additional charge against Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump. The new indictment alleges that Allen assaulted a Secret Service officer with a shotgun while rushing through a security checkpoint outside a Washington press gala last month. The grand jury indictment now includes a fourth charge, adding to the original charges of attempting to assassinate President Trump and two firearms-related offenses, including discharging a weapon during a violent crime. Allen, 31, was arrested at the Washington Hilton after the incident.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was present at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, condemned the attack, stating that Allen was heavily armed and attempted to assassinate the President. However, Blanche praised the quick and courageous response from law enforcement, which prevented further harm. “Under the leadership of President Trump, violent political actors will never win; we will prosecute anyone who engages in these horrific acts to the fullest extent of the law,” Blanche said in a statement.
The indictment follows earlier uncertainties about whether the bullet that struck the Secret Service officer was fired by Allen or a fellow officer. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro clarified on social media that there was no evidence suggesting the officer was injured by friendly fire. Secret Service Director Sean Curran also confirmed that evidence showed Allen fired the shot before being apprehended. The officer, who was shot at point-blank range in the chest, heroically returned fire and managed to shoot five times, according to Curran.
Allen’s jail conditions have raised concerns, with Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui expressing worry about reports of Allen being held on suicide watch and in a constantly lit padded cell. Faruqui, troubled by these conditions, questioned whether they were excessively punitive. Allen had reportedly told FBI agents that he did not expect to survive the attack, raising further concerns about his mental state. Assistant US Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine highlighted that this raised potential concerns regarding suicide risk.
The case has now been assigned to U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee who previously served as a police officer. As the case progresses, the additional charges against Allen reflect the severity of the attempted assassination and the significant impact on law enforcement and national security.
