The suspect who opened fire at a party in Washington attended by President Donald Trump has been charged with plotting to assassinate the president on April 27, and could face life imprisonment if convicted.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, appeared in federal court in Washington in handcuffs. Prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine confirmed that Allen tried to assassinate the US President.
According to officials, suspect Allen carried a 12 caliber shotgun, a semi-automatic handgun and three knives when traveling from California to Washington by train. Court documents say a bullet casing was found in the gun, indicating that weapons were used.
Mr. Todd Blanche, acting US Attorney General, said the suspect may have targeted Mr. Trump for calling the president a "traitor" in an email to relatives before the incident occurred. He emphasized that violence cannot be used to disrupt democratic institutions.
The suspect also faces charges of illegally transporting weapons across states and using guns in violent acts. Judge Matthew Sharbaugh has ordered the detention of Allen until the next hearing to consider pre-trial detention. Prosecutor Jeanine Pirro said she may add more charges.
According to investigation records, Allen booked a room at the Washington Hilton Hotel from the beginning of the month and sent an email claiming to be a "friendly federal killer", mentioning plans targeting senior officials.
The shooting disrupted the annual event gathering politicians and the press, and many people had to find shelter when gunshots rang out. Security forces quickly took President Trump out of the area. A Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but not life-threatening thanks to his armor.
Officials assessed the control of the suspect as a success of law enforcement, but the incident raised security concerns for US leaders.
