The Department of Justice has filed an additional terrorism charge against the man accused of attempting to murder the president of the United States.
WASHINGTON — Cole Tomas Allen, who allegedly tried to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in April, now faces a federal terrorism charge.
Allen had previously been charged with assaulting a U.S. officer or employee with a deadly weapon, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and firing a weapon during a violent crime.
Federal prosecutors added a charge of “terrorism while armed” on Friday. The count involves the alleged attempted first-degree murder of the president.
According to the Justice Department, Allen attempted to enter the Washington Hilton during the April 25 dinner. Investigators say he ran through a security checkpoint toward a staircase leading to the ballroom, where Trump was attending the annual event. Allen allegedly fired a pump-action shotgun, striking a U.S. Secret Service officer in the chest.
The officer reportedly drew his weapon and fired five shots at Allen, who fell to the ground and was then taken into custody by law enforcement.
The DOJ has also alleged that officers found Allen carrying a second firearm, ammunition, two knives, four daggers, several sheaths, holsters, needle-nose pliers and wire cutters when he was arrested.
Allen could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
