Cole Allen Arraigned in DC Federal Court; Manifesto Revealed Priority Hit List of Trump Officials

Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California appeared in federal court in Washington, DC on April 27, 2026 for arraignment on charges stemming from the April 25 shooting at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Federal prosecutors revealed that Allen had sent a manifesto to his family prior to the attack detailing a prioritized plan to target Trump administration officials by rank — escalating the incident from a random attack to a premeditated conspiracy. Charges include using a firearm during a crime of violence, assault on a federal officer, and attempted assassination of protected government officials, with Allen facing up to life in prison on the most serious count. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the investigation established Allen's 'clear and specific intent' to target senior administration officials. The manifesto revelation triggered immediate security reviews at the Secret Service and FBI regarding procedures for high-visibility public events attended by senior officials. Trump said he was asking 'all Americans to recommit with their hearts to resolving our differences peacefully.'