Last week, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation displayed to the public the weapons that Cole Thomas Allen had on him during the attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump and his cabinet members at the "Hilton" hotel in Washington.
Medianews.az reports that the investigative body disclosed that Cole Allen had been planning the attack since the beginning of April. It was noted that on April 21, he left his home near Los Angeles for the capital Washington, was in Chicago on April 23, and arrived in Washington on April 24.
After noon on April 24, he checked into the "Hilton" hotel in Washington and stayed overnight there. Allen reportedly booked a room at the hotel for three nights — April 24, 25, and 26.
According to the official statement, on the evening of April 26, armed with a 12-gauge hunting rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, three knives, and other dangerous items, Cole Allen attacked the hall where the dinner organized by the White House Correspondents' Association at the "Hilton" hotel was taking place, attended by Donald Trump, almost all members of his administration, the First Lady of the United States, and famous journalists.
At one of the security barricades, Allen tried to shoot at a U.S. Secret Service agent in the chest with a hunting rifle and attempt to enter the hall where the dinner was being held.
However, the Secret Service agent, who was lightly wounded but protected by a bulletproof vest, fired five shots at Allen. Although the bullets did not hit Allen, he fell to the ground and was apprehended.
According to the information, Allen was able to get approximately 100 meters close to Trump.
Cole Allen is charged with an assassination attempt on the President of the United States. This crime can result in life imprisonment. Allen has also been charged with use of a firearm, carrying a firearm with intent to commit a serious crime, and other charges.
Allen, who appeared in court for the first time on April 27, behaved calmly and steadily during the trial. He gave brief answers to the judge’s questions such as "yes, your honor" and "no, your honor." Sometimes he just nodded to express confirmation or agreement. After a short hearing, he was taken out of the courtroom. He did not resist the police when leaving the courtroom.
The next court session is scheduled for April 30.
Cole Thomas Allen is 31 years old. It is emphasized that he is a highly educated individual.
Allen completed his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at a university in California and later earned a master's degree in computer science. Reportedly, his academic performance was high, and he was remembered by his teachers as a disciplined and hardworking student.
Cole Allen worked as a tutor and teacher and was also active in programming and technology fields. He worked for several years at an educational company called "C2 Education" and was involved in preparing students for higher education institutions.
According to information spread on social networks, Allen was also an amateur video game developer, created a game on the topic of molecular chemistry for the "Steam" platform, and worked on new projects.