AFP, Washington

A man accused of trying to open fire on a media gala attended by Donald Trump in Washington this weekend was charged in court Monday with trying to assassinate the Republican president.

Cole Allen, 31, faces a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted of attempting to kill Trump during the White House Correspondents Association dinner at a hotel in the capital.

Allen was also charged with two firearms crimes. He did not enter a plea at the hearing in a federal court and was detained, pending his next court appearance.

Prosecutors told the Washington court that Allen was carrying a pump-action shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol and three knives when he tried to break through security at the Hilton, where the annual WHCA dinner has taken place for decades.

Several shots were fired before Allen was subdued in a chaotic encounter near a checkpoint. Allen never got close to Trump or the other guests.

The White House has blamed a “left-wing cult of hatred” for inciting violence, singling out Democratic politicians who have accused Trump of trying to amass authoritarian powers.

In a CBS interview on Sunday evening, Trump was asked if he feared there would be casualties as Washington’s government and media elite ducked for cover at the black-tie dinner downstairs.

“I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world,” Trump said.