Newly released court documents and photos reveal that Cole Tomas Allen allegedly took a selfie in his hotel room moments before the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, DC.
Federal prosecutors released the images on Wednesday (April 29) as part of a court filing arguing that Allen should remain in custody pending trial, describing the incident as a highly premeditated attempt to assassinate US President Donald Trump.
Prosecutors released new pictures of the hotel room
According to the United States Department of Justice filing, Allen used his cell phone at approximately 8:03 p.m. to take a picture of himself in the mirror in his hotel room before the attack occurred.
The filing said Allen appeared to be dressed in formal attire and also had tactical gear and weapons.
“At approximately 8:03 p.m., while in his hotel room, the defendant used his cell phone to take a picture of himself in the mirror,” prosecutors wrote.
The document stated that Allen appeared to be wearing:
Small leather ammo pouch
Prosecutors said those items matched weapons and tools later recovered from him after the shooting.
The Justice Department says the suspect intended to kill Trump
Federal prosecutors said the attack was specifically aimed at killing Trump during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at Washington’s Hilton Hotel.
“The defendant traveled across the country with the express purpose of killing the President of the United States,” the filing states.
Allen has pleaded not guilty to several federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, interstate transportation of firearms and ammunition with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The government opposes the bail application
The Justice Department strongly urged the court to deny Allen any form of pretrial release.
“The facts and circumstances of this case compel the conclusion that there is no condition or combination of conditions that would reasonably ensure the safety of the community if the defendant were released for trial,” prosecutors wrote.
Chaos breaks out at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Authorities said Allen was allegedly carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun and three knives when he pushed past a security checkpoint before the annual gathering of media and politicians on Saturday night.
The shooting sparked panic at the Washington Hilton ballroom, where Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet officials and reporters had gathered for the event.
Secret Service agents chased senior officials out of the ballroom after gunfire rang out.
One Secret Service agent was shot during the incident, but authorities say he did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
The suspect faces life in prison
Allen, 31, faces several federal charges and could face life in prison if convicted.
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