The suspect at the White House dinner has been charged with attempting to assassinate the US president

The suspect who opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner appeared in court on Monday (April 27th), charged with attempting to assassinate the US president. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.

Reuters reported that 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, dressed in a blue prison uniform with a V-neck shirt and trousers, made his first appearance in the federal court in Washington. When he was led into and out of the courtroom, his hands were handcuffed behind his back.

Prosecutor Baranat said, "He attempted to assassinate US President Trump."

Attorney General Pro Tem Blanche told reporters after the hearing that investigators believed that the reason why Allen targeted Trump was that in the email he sent to his relatives on the night of the incident, he referred to Trump as a "traitor" and used other insulting words.

"Violence has no place in civilized life. It cannot and will not be used to undermine the democratic system, nor can it continue to be employed to target the President of the United States."

Alan is also facing charges of illegally transporting firearms across state lines and using firearms in violent crimes. Barantann said that Alan carried a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and three knives when he went to Washington.

A court document shows that Allen was carrying a 1911.38-caliber semi-automatic pistol produced by the Lock Island Armory at the time. Blanch stated that the police found a bullet casing in the shotgun, indicating that the gun had been fired.

At the hearing, Alan did not respond to these accusations. Defense attorney Abe stated at the hearing that Alan had no previous record of arrest or conviction.

U.S. District Judge Sabo ordered that Alan be detained until Thursday (the 30th), when he will appear in court again. Washington D.C. federal prosecutor Pirro told reporters that more charges will be brought against Alan.