Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche opened the Department of Justice (DOJ) press conference updating on the prosecution of Cole Allen, the alleged perpetrator at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD), who attempted to assassinate President Donald Trump and key Cabinet officials.
Blanche said, "We are investigating this matter fully, we will apply the law fairly, and we will ensure that accountability is swift and certain."
As RedState reported, Cole Allen was arraigned in the United States District Court of the District of Columbia. Blanche outlined the charges filed.
"Today, the Department of Justice filed three federal charges in United States District Court against Cole Tomas Allen. The first count is attempted assassination of the President of the United States. This count is punishable by up to life in prison. The second count is interstate transportation of a firearm to commit a felony. This is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. And the third count is discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, which is punishable by a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum of life and the 10 years is consecutive to any other sentence imposed."
Blanche further warned:
"I want to make this clear: This man was a floor above the ballroom with hundreds of federal agents between him and the President of the United States. The Department of Justice approaches incidences like this with urgency and clarity of purpose. Violence has no place in civic life. It cannot and will not be used to disrupt democratic institutions or intimidate those who serve them, and it certainly cannot continue to be used against the President of the United States."
WATCH:
"Today, the Department of Justice filed three federal charges in United States District Court against Cole Tomas Allen," says @DAGToddBlanche.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 27, 2026
"The first count is attempted assassination of the President of the United States. This count is punishable by up to life in prison. The… pic.twitter.com/mlPckLCeqd
United States District Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro was next at the podium. Pirro said:
"Cole Allen's journey of accountability in the criminal justice system starts today. Todd Blanche just indicated to you the charges. Those charges are only three charges that are in the complaint that has been presented in federal district court about an hour ago. There will be additional charges as this investigation continues to unfold. But, make no mistake, this was an attempted assassination of the President of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was. And that intent was to bring down as many of the high-ranking cabinet officials as he could.
"This is the kind of situation that we cannot tolerate."
Pirro outlined new details on how Allen came into D.C. to target the president, saying, "The facts make it clear what this intent was."
Read More: WHCD Suspect Made Cross-Country Trip - With More Than One Target in Mind
UPDATED: WHCD Shooter Identified, a 31-Year-Old Teacher From California
As RedState reported, on March 2, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would be attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) scheduled for April 25.
As Pirro detailed, it was on April 6 when Cole Allen made a hotel reservation at the Washington Hilton Hotel for three nights: April 24, April 25, and April 26.
Pirro said further that Allen started his train journey from Torrance, California, on April 21 and arrived in Chicago two days later, on April 23. Allen arrived in D.C. on April 24 and checked into the Washington Hilton around 3 p.m., where he stayed overnight.
On Saturday, Pirro said that Allen was "very much aware that the President and the First Lady entered the ballroom at 8 p.m. It was at 8:40 that he made a decision to rush the ballroom."
WATCH:
.@USAttyPirro: "There will be additional charges as this investigation continues to unfold, but, make no mistake: this was an attempted assassination of the President of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was... this is the kind of situation that… https://t.co/Ixv1KaRtLc pic.twitter.com/eLcBV0cuDs
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 27, 2026
FBI Director Kash Patel was last at the podium. He thanked all federal, state, and district partners who were active in the investigation.
"This FBI is grateful to the United States Secret Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and our interagency partners including the Metropolitan Police Department for swiftly jumping into action.
"All of us on there put us in a unique position, but all of us also acted uniquely."
Patel lauded the U.S. Secret Service agents and law enforcement who acted so quickly.
"Also on scene, you were told about the brave heroics of the United States Secret Service and other members of law enforcement. And that should be celebrated by every single American. They did exactly what they were trained to do. They stopped a massive attack from becoming even worse. They stood in the way, they safeguarded America and they should be nothing but applauded for their bravery and their dedication to their mission in their selfless sacrifice to this country."
WATCH:
.@FBIDirectorKash: "You were told about the brave heroics of the United States Secret Service and other members of law enforcement, and that should be celebrated by every single American. They did exactly what they were trained to do. They stopped a massive attack..." pic.twitter.com/NoygiOO95I
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 27, 2026
Acting AG Todd Blanche returned to the podium and took questions from the reporters gathered.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as warranted.
Editor’s Note: The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law and order agenda.
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