A California man accused of attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges linked to last month’s shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC.
According to prosecutors, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen allegedly opened fire at a Secret Service officer and breached a security checkpoint during the April 25 event attended by President Trump and senior US officials.
Allen appeared briefly in federal court on Monday wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and restraints, while his lawyer entered the plea on his behalf. He faces several charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and firearms offences. If convicted on the main charge alone, he could face life imprisonment.
Defense lawyers are also seeking the removal of senior Justice Department officials from the prosecution team, arguing they may be potential witnesses or victims in the case. The request includes US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who attended the gala where the attack allegedly occurred.
Investigators say Allen travelled to Washington carrying multiple weapons and booked a room at the Washington Hilton, the venue hosting the correspondents’ dinner. Court filings also revealed he was placed under suicide watch after his arrest before later being removed from the status.
The case is expected to return to court on June 29.
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