WHCA dinner shooting suspect expected to make initial court appearance

The alleged gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is expected to make his initial court appearance on Monday. Cole Allen, 31, has been identified by multiple outlets as the suspect . The Hill has not independently verified the suspect’s identity. Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said at a press conference late Saturday that the suspect faces two charges so far: using a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. “But make no mistake: there will be many more charges based upon the information that we are learning in this very fluid situation,” Pirro said at the time. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday the alleged gunman is not cooperating with authorities at this time. He also suggested the suspect could “absolutely” be charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump. The president was rushed out of the Washington Hilton ballroom where the dinner was being held Saturday shortly after shots were fired. After the incident, Trump shared a photo on Truth Social of the alleged gunman apprehended by law enforcement, shirtless and on the ground. Developing Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc.