U.S. prosecutors revealed details of an attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in a federal court filing in Washington D.C. on 29/4. Suspect Cole Allen, a highly educated teacher from Torrance, California, was identified as the individual who meticulously tracked President Trump's schedule and location from his room at the Washington Hilton hotel.

On the evening of 25/4, Allen prepared his weapons and took a selfie with his phone before leaving his room around 8:30 p.m. He then attempted to breach a banquet hall in the hotel's basement, where President Trump and several senior officials were attending a reception for White House correspondents. Released images showed Allen dressed in black with a red tie, carrying a knife, a shoulder holster for a pistol, and an ammunition pouch.

Cole Allen took a selfie before beginning his plot to assassinate President Donald Trump at the Washington Hilton hotel on 25/4. *Photo: AFP*

As Allen left his room, pre-scheduled emails he had set up began automatically sending to family and friends. These emails contained statements explaining his motives and listed his targets as officials in the Trump administration, "from highest to lowest." Allen indicated he did not intend to target Secret Service, Capitol Police, or National Guard unless necessary.

Surveillance video, posted by Trump on social media, showed Allen rapidly moving past a metal detector at the security checkpoint. Security forces immediately turned towards the suspect and aimed their weapons. Allen exchanged gunfire with U.S. Secret Service agents but was not hit, and was subsequently apprehended.

Allen appeared before a federal court in Washington on 27/4. He faces charges of attempting to assassinate the U.S. President, which could lead to life imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, Allen is accused of unlawfully transporting weapons across state lines and discharging a firearm during a violent act.

Prosecutors detailed the preparations for an "unfathomable malicious attack" in their federal court filings and requested the judge deny bail. The filing stated: "The defendant must remain detained pending trial. The defendant's political motive reinforces the argument for continued detention, as this factor persists as long as the defendant disagrees with the government."

Suspect Cole Tomas Allen in a photo posted in late 2024. *Photo: California Post*

Beyond his teaching profession, Allen is also a game developer. Records show he previously donated to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris's presidential campaign in 10/2024. Prosecutors stated that the suspect traveled by train to Washington, carrying multiple weapons, indicating a premeditated plan.

This marks the third assassination attempt targeting President Trump in under two years. The White House has accused Democratic politicians and the media of inciting extremism, which it claims led to the incident.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)