Trump Attempt: Selfie Before White House Attack, Prosecutors Say

Federal prosecutors allege that Cole Tomas Allen took a selfie in his hotel room approximately half an hour before attempting to attack the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The filing, which included the photo, detailed items Allen was allegedly carrying, including bags and weapons.

Details from the Selfie Photo

The court filing highlighted several items visible or consistent with items recovered from Allen during his apprehension. According to prosecutors:

• Leather Bag: The photo shows a small leather bag consistent with an ammunition-filled bag later recovered from Allen.
• Holster and Weaponry: Allen appeared to be wearing a shoulder holster and a sheathed knife, matching items later found on his person.
• Tools: The image also showed pliers and wire cutters, consistent with tools recovered from him.

Incident Background

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of California, was apprehended by Secret Service officers on Saturday night. The incident occurred before he could reach the ballroom where President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other top Trump administration officials were attending the annual media soiree.

• The Attempt: Allen allegedly attempted to storm through a security checkpoint with multiple firearms with the intent to assassinate President Trump.
• Apprehension: He was tackled by Secret Service officers before reaching the event.

Legal Proceedings

Prosecutors submitted the photo and images of the alleged weapons to argue for Allen's continued detention without bond. A detention hearing for Allen is scheduled for Thursday at the U.S. District Court in Washington.