A California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges in a Washington federal court.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, entered the plea on May 11 during proceedings before Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington.
Federal prosecutors allege Allen attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25 while armed with multiple weapons, including a shotgun and handgun.
President Donald Trump was attending the event at the Washington Hilton at the time of the alleged incident.
Federal Charges Include Attempted Assassination
According to court filings, Allen faces four federal charges tied to the alleged attack:
- Attempted assassination of the President
- Assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon
- Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence
- Interstate transportation of firearms with intent to commit a felony
Prosecutors allege Allen traveled by train from Torrance to Washington before checking into the Washington Hilton hotel.
Investigators claim he later ran through a security checkpoint carrying a 12-gauge shotgun, a pistol, and several knives before confronting Secret Service personnel.
Court documents state that Allen allegedly fired at a Secret Service agent during the confrontation. Authorities said the agent survived because of a ballistic vest.
Federal officials have described the incident as one of the most serious security threats involving a presidential event in recent years.
Defense Seeks Removal of Top Justice Department Officials
Allen’s legal team, led by federal public defender Tezira Abe, has filed motions seeking to disqualify senior Department of Justice officials from participating in the prosecution.
The defense argues that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro should recuse themselves because both were reportedly present at the correspondents’ dinner and could potentially be considered witnesses or victims.
Defense attorneys are also seeking removal of the entire Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office from the case, arguing that doing so is necessary to ensure prosecutorial impartiality.
Federal prosecutors have not publicly indicated whether they intend to oppose the motions.
Investigators Cite Manifesto and Images
Court filings revealed that investigators recovered what prosecutors described as a manifesto sent by Allen to family members before the alleged attack.
According to prosecutors, the document referred to Allen as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and included grievances directed at the Trump administration.
Investigators also reportedly found mirror selfies taken inside Allen’s hotel room shortly before the incident, allegedly showing him posing with firearms and other weapons.
Authorities said the images and writings form part of the government’s evidence regarding intent and premeditation.
Defendant Remains in Custody Pending Further Hearings
Allen remains in federal custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
The court scheduled the next hearing in the case for June 29, when judges are expected to address procedural motions and evidence-related matters.
Federal authorities have not released additional details regarding ongoing investigative steps or possible security reviews connected to the incident.
The White House and Secret Service have continued to emphasize that presidential security procedures were effective in preventing harm during the confrontation.
Sources: Federal court filings, Associated Press, Reuters, Department of Justice statements
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: Donald Trump, White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Federal Court, Secret Service, Washington DC, Assassination Attempt, Department of Justice, Crime News
News by The Vagabond News.
