The man, aged 21, appeared for the first time Thursday before a federal judge in Pittsburgh, following his arrest at a hotel in Pennsylvania. It must answer the charges against him in Washington.
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez will remain in custody at least until a judge determines whether Washington should remain jailed pending trial. He faces life in prison if convicted.
The suspect's arrest was announced Wednesday by the Secret Service, the agency charged with protecting the president of the United States.
A bullet was found in an outer pane of the White House, after being blocked by the bulletproof glass. Another bullet was found Tuesday outside the residence of U.S. president.
Gunshots were heard near the White House Friday by witnesses who saw two suspicious vehicles in the area. An assault rifle was also found.