The 31-year-old suspect, Cole Allen, made his initial appearance in federal court in Washington on 27/4, two days after allegedly breaking in and opening fire near the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel.

"He conspired to assassinate US President Donald Trump", said prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine.

Allen could face life imprisonment if convicted. Additionally, the suspect is charged with interstate firearms trafficking and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. Ballantine stated Allen carried one shotgun, one handgun, and three knives while attempting to bypass the hotel's security barrier.

An artist's sketch depicts Cole Tomas Allen (in blue shirt) at his initial court appearance in Washington on 27/4. Photo: AP

He pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance. Defense attorney Tezira Abe noted that Allen has no prior criminal record. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Allen's detention until at least 30/4, when the court will hold a hearing to determine if the suspect will remain jailed pending trial.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed reporters after the hearing that investigators believe Allen targeted President Trump partly because he referred to the President as a "traitor" and used other strong language in emails sent to relatives before the incident.

"Violence cannot exist in civil life", Mr. Blanche stated. "It cannot and will not be used to undermine democratic institutions, nor to act against the US President".

Suspect Cole Allen being restrained at the Washington Hilton hotel on 25/4. Photo: Truth Social/realDonaldTrump

Jeanine Pirro, a federal prosecutor in Washington, told reporters that additional charges would be filed against Allen.

Allen booked a room at the Washington Hilton hotel on 6/4 and traveled by train from California to Washington last week, according to investigative records filed in court by a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. On the evening of 25/4, Allen sent an email to family members, referring to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin" and discussing plans to target high-ranking officials in the Trump administration.

Developments in the shooting incident at the press dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel. Video: CNN

President Trump was previously the target of an attempted assassination during a 2024 presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman fired multiple shots, resulting in one fatality and a minor ear injury to President Trump.

Several months later, another armed individual was arrested at a West Palm Beach golf course while President Trump was present.

Thanh Tam (According to Reuters, Agence France-Presse (AFP))