Trump Attack: Suspect Took Armed Selfie Before Attempted Assassination

WASHINGTON — Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, took a selfie in his Washington Hilton Hotel room approximately 30 minutes before the alleged attack, according to federal prosecutors. The image, released Wednesday by the Department of Justice (DOJ), shows Allen, 31, smirking while armed with weapons.

The selfie was taken at 8:03 p.m., prosecutors said, before Allen attempted to breach a security checkpoint carrying two firearms and multiple knives. He was dressed in an all-black outfit with a red tie and was equipped with sheathed knives, guns, extra ammunition, pliers, and wire cutters, the DOJ stated in a motion seeking Allen’s pretrial detention ahead of a Thursday hearing.

Shortly after taking the selfie, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Allen sent a manifesto titled “Apology and Explanation” to members of his family, according to the filing. “Shortly thereafter, the defendant rushed the screening checkpoint on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton with a raised shotgun,” the DOJ filing continued.

Allen, originally from Torrance, California, was arraigned Monday on charges of attempting to assassinate the president, transporting weapons across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Selfie Released as DOJ Seeks Continued Detention

The release of the selfie comes as the DOJ argues for Allen to remain in custody pending trial. The image and details of Allen’s preparation for the attack are central to the government’s case for pretrial detention, suggesting a premeditated and dangerous intent.

The incident occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a traditionally lighthearted event attended by journalists, politicians, and other public figures. The attempted attack prompted a swift response from security personnel, and President Trump was unharmed.

Background on the Incident

According to reporting from El País, Allen is a 31-year-old teacher from California. The attempted assassination took place at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. Details regarding Allen’s motives continue to emerge as investigators analyze his manifesto and other evidence.