DOJ releases WHCD accused Cole Allen's chilling selfie taken minutes before attack

WASHINGTON, DC: WHCD accused Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly paused to take a smirking mirror selfie while heavily armed inside the Washington Hilton shortly before prosecutors say he launched an attempted attack targeting President Donald Trump and senior officials attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Federal court filings released Wednesday, April 29, describe the image as part of a detailed timeline prosecutors are using to argue Allen should remain jailed before trial.

Chilling image moments before chaos

According to the government filing, the photo was taken around 8:03 pm in Allen’s hotel room, roughly half an hour before the violence unfolded downstairs.

Prosecutors say the 31-year-old appeared dressed in black clothing with a red tie and was carrying multiple weapons and tools.

The image allegedly showed firearms, knives, ammunition, holsters and additional gear attached to his body.

Allen visited the 'Presidential Schedule - CivicTracker' website after clicking selfies.

Authorities say he then left the room and moved toward the security area inside the hotel.

Alongside firearms and ammunition, Allen was allegedly carrying two knives, four daggers, several sheaths and holsters, as well as tools such as needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, and a Samsung cellphone.

Investigators also outlined Allen’s phone activity in the minutes leading up to the incident.

They say he searched for information related to Trump and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, then checked online presidential schedule trackers and livestream coverage monitoring the president’s arrival.

Shortly afterward, prosecutors say he sent messages and a document described as an 'Apology and Explanation' to relatives and acquaintances.

Allen's alleged rush at checkpoint

The filing states Allen then charged a screening checkpoint on the hotel’s Terrace Level while holding a raised shotgun.

Law enforcement intervened before he could reach the ballroom area where Trump, cabinet officials, journalists and guests had gathered.

Officials say one spent shotgun shell was recovered along with multiple live rounds and a loaded handgun.

Allen now faces serious federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, transporting weapons across state lines to commit a felony and using a firearm during a violent crime.

If convicted on the most severe counts, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The Justice Department included the photo and timeline in an effort to persuade the court that Allen presents an extreme danger if released pending trial.

Prosecutors argued the alleged preparation, weapons stockpile and travel across the country show planning rather than impulse.

The detention hearing is expected to determine whether Allen remains behind bars as the case moves forward.