The 31-year-old was also charged with illegally transporting a firearm across state lines and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Assistant US Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine said Allen had a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol, and was also carrying with him three knives and other dangerous paraphernalia when he was arrested, CNBC reported.
“He attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” Ballantine told the court, adding that “We are asking the court to preventively detain Mr. Allen.”
Meanwhile, Allen’s court-appointed defense lawyer said the defendant has no prior criminal record and remains presumed innocent. Allen is being held in custody and is scheduled to appear at a hearing next Thursday to determine whether he can be released on bail pending trial.
