Washington shooting suspect took selfie before attack
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- Prosecutors say suspect took selfie, prepared weapons, and sent scheduled messages before attack.
- Federal prosecutors describe attack as deliberate and request continued detention without bail.
Federal prosecutors have revealed new details about what they describe as a carefully planned assassination attempt targeting US President Donald Trump, outlining the suspect’s movements and preparations in the final moments before the attack.
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The suspect, identified in court filings as 31-year-old Cole Allan, allegedly carried out extensive surveillance of Trump’s location and prepared his actions in advance, including sending pre-written messages to family and friends.
Final moments in hotel room
According to prosecutors, Allan spent the final minutes before the incident inside a room at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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Investigators say he monitored online platforms tracking Trump’s whereabouts before arming himself.
Court documents indicate he took a mirror selfie wearing dark clothing and a red tie while carrying a concealed firearm holster, a knife, and a bag of ammunition.
Breach at secured venue
Prosecutors allege the suspect then moved to the hotel entrance, removed his coat, and passed through metal detectors while carrying a rifle in a ready position.
He allegedly fired toward a stairwell leading to a lower-level hall where Trump and senior officials were attending a media dinner.
Secret Service agents responded with gunfire, firing five shots that did not strike the suspect. He was later restrained after a brief struggle with security personnel and sustained minor injuries.
No fatalities were reported.
Travel, planning, and digital trail
Investigators say Allan, described as a highly educated teacher from California, transported his weapons including a rifle, handgun, and knives on a tourist train journey through Chicago.
Prosecutors also highlighted what they called a structured digital trail, including scheduled electronic messages sent to relatives and friends moments after leaving his hotel room. The messages allegedly contained a manifesto-style justification for targeting government officials.
Prosecution cites “extreme malice”
Federal prosecutors described the alleged plot as an act carried out with “unimaginable malice” and urged a federal court in Washington to deny bail.
They argued that the politically motivated nature of the alleged attack poses an ongoing threat, claiming the suspect’s ideological grievances suggest continued risk if released.
The court has not yet ruled on the detention request, and further proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.
