“Allen, of Torrance in California, is being represented by lawyers with the federal defender's office and sat beside them in court in a blue jail uniform.”

“The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.”

“He appeared in court on Monday to face charges after a chaotic encounter in Washington that resulted in shots being fired, Trump being rushed off the stage and guests ducking for cover underneath their tables.”

“Cole Tomas Allen was taken into custody after the shooting on Saturday night and is being charged in federal court in Washington.”

“Authorities say an officer wearing a bullet-resistant vest was shot in the vest but is expected to recover.”

“He also was charged with transport of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce and with discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.”

“Prosecutors have not revealed a motive, but in a message reviewed by the Associated Press news agency that authorities say was sent by Allen to family members minutes before the attack, Allen referred to himself as a "Friendly Federal Assassin," made repeated references to Trump without naming him and alluded to grievances over a range of Trump administration actions.”