This image contained in a court filing by the Department of Justice, April 29, 2026, shows Cole Tomas Allen, left, inside his hotel room, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Washington, using his cellphone to take a photograph of himself in the mirror.
Department of Justice | AP
White House Correspondents Association dinner shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen on Monday pleaded not guilty to charges that include trying to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Allen, who allegedly attempted to storm the ballroom at the Washington Hilton armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives, entered his plea before Judge Trevor McFadden at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He pleaded not guilty to all four counts against him and was shackled at his waist and wrists, according to MS NOW.
Allen stands accused of trying to assassinate Trump on April 25, transporting firearms interstate, discharge of a firearm during an act of violence and assault on law enforcement. He is set to appear in court next on June 29 for a status conference.
McFadden said he hoped there would be “substantial progress” on discovery by then.
Allen’s defense last week filed a motion to disqualify acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro. Allen’s attorneys detailed that motion on Monday.
The defense argued that since Blanche and Pirro have given the impression that they are victims in the case and were both in attendance at the dinner where the shooting took place, it would be “wholly inappropriate for victims to prosecute” the case, the defense said in their appearance. McFadden ordered additional briefings on the matter.
Allen faces up to life in prison if he is convicted.
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