A California man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been formally indicted on multiple federal charges, including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, according to newly released court documents.

Prosecutors charged Cole Allen with four felony counts: attempt to assassinate the President of the United States, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, transporting a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. If convicted on the most serious charge, he could face a sentence of life in prison.

Authorities allege that Allen approached a security checkpoint armed with two firearms and several knives on an upper level of the venue, just one floor above where the high-profile dinner was taking place on April 25. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and senior members of the administration were attending the event at the time.

Federal officials say Allen began shooting and struck a Secret Service agent, who was protected from serious injury by a bulletproof vest.

Law enforcement officers apprehended Allen at the scene, and the event was immediately evacuated as a precaution.

Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, has not yet entered a plea in the case.

During a court appearance on Monday, the presiding judge expressed regret over the conditions of Allen’s detention, noting he had been held under strict restrictions while on suicide watch. The judge’s remarks came after defense attorneys argued that their client did not pose a physical threat to himself.

{Matzav.com}