Washington: Alleged Washington hotel shooter Cole Tomas Allen faces a maximum sentence of life in prison after he was charged with attempting to assassinate the president of the United States.
Allen appeared in court for the first time on Monday afternoon US time (Tuesday morning AEST) wearing a short-sleeve light blue prison uniform. He appeared calm and answered the judge’s questions as he was read his legal rights.
Allen was also charged with transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence. Those offences carry potential 10-year sentences.
Federal prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said the government alleged that Allen “attempted to assassinate the president of the United States with a 12-gauge pump action shotgun”.
He was also allegedly found with a handgun and three knives, prosecutors told the court.
Read more from North America correspondent Michael Koziol here.
