Khaberni - Federal prosecutors revealed that the suspect, Cole Allen, took a "selfie" in his room at the "Washington Hilton" hotel 30 minutes before his attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump and others at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
At 8:03 PM, Allen (31 years old) took a picture of himself with a mocking smile before heading to the lower floor to try to breach a security checkpoint while carrying two firearms and several knives.
The suspect was dressed entirely in black with a red tie, armed with knives in their sheaths, pistols, and extra ammunition, as well as "pliers and wire cutters," according to prosecutors in a request seeking the continued detention of Allen before trial, just before a hearing scheduled for Thursday.
The federal officials indicated that Allen sent a shocking statement, which he called "Apology and Explanation," to his family members at approximately 8:30 PM.
The legal memo stated: "Shortly thereafter, the suspect rushed towards the checkpoint at the terrace level of the Washington Hilton hotel, raising a shotgun."
Allen, originally from Torrance, California, was formally charged on Monday with attempting to assassinate President Trump, transporting weapons across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and firing a gun during a violent crime. If convicted, he faces a life sentence.
The prosecutors said: "The accused traveled across the country with dangerous weapons with the intention of attacking a meeting including the nation's senior political leaders, including the President of the United States."
They added: "He intended to kill and fired his rifle while trying to breach security and attack his target. Simply put, the suspect represents a severe and unusual danger to society if released pending trial," pointing out that Allen’s clean criminal record is of no significance in this case.
