On Monday, the alleged gunman who made a shocking appearance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at the Washington Hilton appeared in a federal court in Washington, D.C., facing three criminal charges, including attempting to assassinate the president. The 31-year-old suspect, accused of pushing through a security checkpoint on Saturday evening with multiple weapons, was also charged with transportation of a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The charge of assassination attempt is the most serious and carries the potential for a life sentence. The suspect was apprehended at the Hilton on Saturday night as the president, first lady, and vice president sat on stage during the meal portion of the event, before any major speeches were made.
During his half-hour court appearance at around 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Allen wore a light blue jumpsuit and spoke very little, only confirming his name and stating that he understood the proceedings to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh.
Judge Sharbaugh ruled that the suspect is entitled to court-appointed attorneys, based on a financial affidavit Allen submitted to the court. The assassination attempt is considered a domestic terrorism charge and carries a potential life sentence. Judge Sharbaugh also ordered the criminal complaint against Allen to be unsealed, allowing officials to brief the nation on the case.
U.S. prosecutors used the brief appearance to lay out some of the details of their case against Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine stated that Allen "traveled across multiple state lines with a firearm" and that he "attempted to assassinate the president with a 12-gauge pump action shotgun." They requested that he be placed in federal custody.
Allen's attorneys confirmed at the hearing that he has no prior criminal record. The entire incident has left the nation in shock and has once again highlighted the importance of security measures at such high-profile events.
