Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, was formally charged Monday in federal court with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. The charges include attempted assassination, multiple firearms offenses, and assault on a federal officer, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Allen made his first appearance in court wearing a blue prison jumpsuit and was flanked by U.S. Marshals. A judge ordered him held in custody until a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday.

During a press conference after the hearing, Pirro told reporters that Allen will face additional charges as the investigation moves forward.

“But make no mistake, this was an attempted assassination of the president of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was, and that intent was to bring down as many of the high-ranking Cabinet officials as he could," she said.

Authorities say Allen, a Caltech graduate and high school tutor, traveled from California by train to Washington, D.C., checked into the Washington Hilton, and attempted to breach security at the high-profile gala on Saturday night. He was stopped after firing two shots near the ballroom where President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other top officials were present.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said a Secret Service agent was hit in a protective vest and fired five shots at Allen. While none of the shots struck Allen, he fell to the ground and was quickly detained.

Officials are investigating a manifesto allegedly written by Allen and sent to his family before the attack. The document, which was flagged to local police in Connecticut by a relative after the shooting occurred, reportedly detailed threats against Trump administration officials and criticized event security. President Trump confirmed the existence of the manifesto and said it would be released to the public. The FBI is examining Allen’s writings and electronic devices as part of the ongoing investigation.

The suspect’s family and neighbors in Torrance expressed shock and described Allen as quiet and reclusive. Torrance Mayor George K. Chen condemned the violence and reassured the public that there are no known threats to the community. Meanwhile, President Trump praised the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response, stating, "I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world," during a televised interview. He urged unity and called for a rescheduling of the event.

As the investigation continues, federal officials are reviewing security procedures at high-profile events, and Allen is scheduled for further court proceedings later this week.

Bob Lonsberry