Cole Tomas Allen, the alleged gunman at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton, appeared in federal court in Washington on Monday and will be facing three criminal charges, including attempting to assassinate the president.

The 31-year-old, who is suspected of pushing through a security checkpoint on Saturday evening with multiple weapons, was also charged on Monday with transportation of a firearm or ammunition in interstate commerce and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. The assassination attempt charge is the heaviest and could put him behind bars for life.

Allen was apprehended at the Hilton on Saturday night as the president, first lady, and vice president sat on stage during the meal portion of the event and before any major speeches were made. During the half-hour court appearance just before 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Allen was wearing a light blue jumpsuit and spoke little, only to confirm his name and that he understood the proceedings to U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh.

At the appearance, Judge Sharbaugh ruled that the suspect is entitled to court-appointed attorneys; this is based on a financial affidavit Allen submitted to the court.

The assassination attempt is considered a domestic terrorism charge and carries a potential life sentence. Judge Sharbaugh ordered the criminal complaint against Allen unsealed. Once the case is unsealed, officials will be able to brief the nation on the case.

U.S. prosecutors used the brief appearance to lay out some of the details of their case against Allen. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine said Allen “traveled across multiple state lines with a firearm” and that he “attempted to assassinate the president with a 12-gauge pump action shotgun.” They asked that he be placed in federal custody.

Allen’s attorneys confirmed at the hearing that he has no prior criminal record.

More to come.

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