Suspect in Trump dinner shooting faces life in prison

Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, has been charged with three federal offences, including attempting to assassinate the president, U.S. media reported.

Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, was charged with attempted assassination of the U.S. president, interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, according to reports by Fox News, AP and other U.S. media.

If convicted on the attempted assassination charge, Allen could face life in prison.

The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton during the annual dinner, where Trump, senior administration officials and journalists were present. Trump was evacuated and was not injured. A Secret Service officer was wounded but survived after being protected by a ballistic vest, according to AP and Reuters.

Allen made his first court appearance on Monday. The hearing lasted only a few minutes, and he did not enter a plea. A detention hearing was scheduled for April 30, while a preliminary hearing is set for May 11.