Trump White House Correspondents Dinner

The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in writings sent to family members minutes before the shooting. That's according to a message reviewed by The Associated Press. The writings, the official said, were sent shortly before shots were fired at the Washington Hilton, and made repeated references to President Donald Trump without naming him directly. The writings alluded to grievances over a range of administration actions, including U.S. strikes on drug smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific.

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. Saturday's chaotic encounter resulted in shots being fired, Trump being rushed off the stage and guests ducking underneath their tables. Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after the shooting. Allen was charged Monday in federal court in Washington and did not enter a plea. A lawyer with the federal defender’s office who is representing Allen notes he has no criminal record and is presumed innocent. Authorities say an officer wearing a bullet-resistant vest was shot in the vest but is expected to recover.