The 31-year-old suspected bomber appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., on Monday and was charged with three counts - attempted murder of the president, discharging a weapon during an act of violence, and transporting weapons and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a crime.
However, the man may be charged with more crimes, said Jeanine Pirro, a federal prosecutor in the capital area, at a press conference.
"We cannot tolerate these kinds of situations," she said.
Risking life
If convicted, he will face life in prison, according to Judge Matthew Sharbaugh. The man, who prosecutors say was carrying two firearms and three knives when he went to the gala dinner, did not enter a plea on Monday.
On Thursday, the court will decide whether he can be released pending trial. On May 11, the court will decide whether prosecutors have enough evidence to proceed to trial.
The White House blames the attempted attack - when a man opened fire at the annual correspondents' dinner - on left-wing media and the "hatred they convey toward Donald Trump."
"The left's culture of hate against the president and all those who support him and work for him has caused the deaths of many people, and almost did so this weekend as well," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at a press conference.
The ballroom is needed
She accuses both the media and high-ranking Democratic politicians of fueling hatred against Trump and of being behind political violence and a more hateful climate in the United States.
"No one has been the target of more bullets and more violence in recent years than President Trump," Leavitt continued.
She says the assassination attempt also shows that Trump's criticized but highly desired ballroom is needed.
"The ballroom is not just a fun side project for President Trump, as the media writes. It is actually crucial for national security that a larger, more secure building is built - the most secure in the entire world," she said.
