WASHINGTON — Cole Tomas Allen found time to snap a chilling selfie in his room at the Washington Hilton about 30 minutes before he tried to assassinate President Trump and members of his cabinet during Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Allen, 31, pictured himself at 8:03 p.m., smirking before heading downstairs and attempting to barge through a security checkpoint while carrying two firearms and multiple knives.
The alleged would-be assassin wore an all-black get-up with a red tie and was strapped in with sheathed knives, guns, and extra ammo, as well as “pliers and wire cutters,” prosecutors explained in a motion seeking Allen’s pretrial detention ahead of a Thursday hearing.
Cole Tomas Allen found time to snap a chilling selfie in his room at the Washington Hilton about 30 minutes before he tried to assassinate President Trump and members of his cabinet. U.S. Department of Justice
The selfe was released as the DOJ fights to keep Allen behind bars. U.S. Department of Justice
Allen sent his now-infamous manifesto, which he called an “Apology and Explanation,” to members of his family at approximately 8:30 p.m.
“Shortly thereafter, the defendant rushed the screening checkpoint on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton with a raised shotgun,” the filing went on.
A shotgun carried by Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect in the shooting incident in Washington, DC, at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, is photographed. via REUTERS
Allen’s weapons are pictured. via REUTERS
Allen of Torrance, Calif., was arraigned Monday on charges of attempting to assassinate the president, transporting weapons across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Here’s the latest on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:
Donald Pearsall / NY Post Design
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
“The defendant traveled across the country with dangerous weapons for the purpose of attacking a meeting of the nation’s most senior political leaders, including the President of the United States,” prosecutors said.
First lady Melania Trump and President Trump react to shots fired at the WHCD. Pool
“He intended to kill and fired his shotgun while trying to breach security and attack his target. Put simply, the defendant poses an uncommonly serious danger to the community if released pending trial,” they added, noting that Allen’s lack of previous criminal history was not relevant.