A man accused of attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a federal court in Washington, according to court proceedings reported on Monday.
Cole Allen, 31, from California, appeared in court wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles but did not speak during the hearing. His attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf before US District Judge Trevor McFadden, who will oversee the case.
Read More: Man suspected of trying to kill Trump
Allen faces multiple serious charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms-related offences. Prosecutors allege that he planned and attempted a violent attack targeting Trump and other officials during a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event last month.
The man charged with attempting to kill President Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner pleads not guilty. https://t.co/hjqfoyTXmm
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 11, 2026
According to court filings cited by prosecutors, Allen travelled to Washington by train carrying a shotgun, a pistol, and knives. He reportedly checked into a hotel near the event venue, the Washington Hilton, where the April 25 dinner was held.
Authorities say Allen fired a shotgun at a US Secret Service agent and attempted to breach a security checkpoint before being apprehended, preventing what prosecutors describe as a foiled assassination attempt.
The case has also raised legal questions regarding potential conflicts of interest. Allen’s defence team has moved to disqualify Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, arguing that their presence at the event could affect impartiality in the prosecution.
Defence lawyer Eugene Ohm further argued that the entire US Attorney’s Office in Washington should be recused due to Pirro’s personal ties and public profile, including her association with Trump.
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Prosecutors are expected to respond to these motions by May 22. Pirro has previously dismissed concerns over bias, stating in media interviews that her involvement does not affect her ability to prosecute the case.
The court proceedings mark the beginning of what is expected to be a closely watched and high-profile legal battle in the US federal justice system.