A man who tried to assassinate President Trump now faces a terrorism charge that could bring life in prison. Federal prosecutors announced a superseding indictment Friday.
Superseding Indictment Adds Terrorism Count
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment that adds a count of committing an act of terrorism while armed against Cole Tomas Allen, 31, raising the total charges to five. Prosecutors said the new count carries a potential life sentence under D.C. law.
Alleged Plot and Weapons
Prosecutors allege Allen charged through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while armed with a 12‑gauge shotgun, a .38‑caliber handgun, knives and daggers. He allegedly fired at a Secret Service officer, striking the bulletproof vest, as he tried to reach the ballroom where Trump and hundreds of guests were attending the annual dinner.
Manifesto and Targets
Investigators say Allen sent a manifesto to family, friends and a former employer, naming administration officials as targets and ranking them from highest to lowest, except FBI Director Kash Patel. He wrote that he was no longer willing to let a “pedophile, rapist and traitor” use his hands for crimes.
Additional Charges and Potential Sentence
Allen also faces counts of attempting to assassinate the president, assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The terrorism count invokes a District of Columbia statute that allows life imprisonment.
Trial Schedule and Related Dispute
Allen’s trial is set for September 7, 2027 before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, with a status conference scheduled for December 4. His defense previously sought to disqualify U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who attended the dinner, but the effort was unsuccessful.
Context of Recent Attempts
The attack marks the third major attempt to assassinate Trump since 2024, following a July rally shooting in Pennsylvania that killed Corey Comperatore and a September incident near his West Palm Beach golf course. Each event has heightened security concerns and political tension.
