A 31-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump during a White House-related gala has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Cole Allen from California entered the plea through his attorney, Tezira Abe, during a federal court appearance in Washington on Monday. Allen did not speak during the proceedings.
He faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms-related offences.
Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a shotgun at a U.S. Secret Service agent and attempted to breach a security checkpoint in what they described as a foiled attack targeting Trump and other officials attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The court was told that Allen had travelled to Washington by train, carrying a shotgun, pistol, and knives, and had booked accommodation at the Washington Hilton, the venue linked to the April 25 event.
Allen appeared in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and was restrained with waist shackles during the brief hearing before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden.
The case also includes procedural disputes, with Allen’s legal team seeking to disqualify senior justice officials from the prosecution due to their alleged presence at the event and potential status as witnesses or targets.
His defence lawyer, Eugene Ohm, argued that it would be inappropriate for individuals potentially involved in or affected by the incident to oversee the prosecution.
Prosecutors are expected to respond to the defence’s motion by May 22, as the case moves towards further pre-trial hearings.
Separately, court records indicated that Allen had earlier been held under suicide watch in a Washington detention facility, with one judge reportedly raising concerns over his treatment while in custody.
The case continues under federal jurisdiction as authorities prepare for what is expected to be a high-profile legal battle.
