Cole Allen, the suspect accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, will remain in custody after being charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
NBC News detailed that public defenders for Allen had sought his release. They argued that he has no criminal history and has "support from family and friends" who would make sure he didn't violate the conditions of his release.
"As previously stated, Mr. Allen's history and characteristics counsel in favor of release in this case," they wrote, describing him as a "loved and respected teacher and colleague who has always demonstrated kindness, empathy and compassion and never violence."
However, the request was denied. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine had called for pre-trial detention, recalling that he traveled to Washington, D.C., with several guns, three knives and "other dangerous paraphernalia."
Allen has been charged with the attempted assassination of Trump, as well as interstate transportation of weapons and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. His preliminary hearing has been set for May 11.
Before making his way to the capital, Allen wrote to family members about the "rage" he felt toward the Trump administration.
"I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done," Allen stated, based on transcripts provided to the network. "I don't expect forgiveness. Again, my sincere apologies."
The writing also detailed Allen's plans for targeting officials inside the dinner: "Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest," a passage of the letter read.
The Associated Press reported that the message also used a friendly tone. Allen described himself as the "Friendly Federal Assassin" and opened with a seemingly upbeat "hello everybody!"
CBS News also reported that Allen had a room on the tenth floor of the hotel where the White House Correspondents' dinner was being held.
According to the network, Allen used a stairwell to avoid security and, once on the event floor, ran through the final security checkpoint in a desperate attempt to access the dinner. An exchange of fire between Allen and security then ensued, with one officer being struck but not seriously injured due to a bulletproof vest. He was then tackled and subdued.
Trump called Allen a "thug" who "attacked our Constitution." "He's a sick person, a very sick person, and we don't want things like this to happen," he added on Saturday night.
