WASHINGTON - The man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a White House reporters' gala last month pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday.
Cole Allen, 31, of California, did not speak during the brief court appearance as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf. The charges include attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offenses.
Prosecutors allege Allen fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent and stormed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents' Dinner held at the Washington Hilton on April 25. Allen reportedly traveled to Washington by train carrying a shotgun, pistol, and knives. He had booked a room at the Hilton.
During the court proceeding, Allen wore an orange jumpsuit and was shackled at the waist. This was his first appearance before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who will preside over the case.
The next major legal battle will center on Allen's attempt to disqualify acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the case. Both were present at the dinner and may have been among Allen's alleged targets. The defense argues it is wholly inappropriate for victims of the alleged event to be prosecuting the case. Prosecutors are due to respond by May 22.