Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of trying to kill President Donald Trump at last month’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges including attempted assassination.
Allen allegedly rushed past Secret Service agents at a security checkpoint in the hotel where the annual event was taking place. Prosecutors say he was carrying loaded firearms and knives while the president and top administration officials were on another floor of the building. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
During his court appearance in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Allen stood shackled at the hands and feet beside his attorney as the not guilty plea was entered. He faces four charges, including attempting to assassinate the president and assaulting an officer.
Dispute Over Prosecutors
The hearing before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by Trump, focused partly on a defense request to remove U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro and other officials from the case. Allen’s lawyers argued that Pirro and others who attended the dinner could be considered potential victims and are too close to the president to remain involved.
“We assume a lot about how victims feel,” defense attorney Eugene Ohm told the judge. He added that Pirro’s close friendship with Trump was another reason she should be removed.
Judge McFadden expressed doubt about the claim, pointing out that Pirro and the others did not actually witness the incident. “I’d be very surprised if they were victims in any legal sense,” he said.
Ohm also asked for more details about the structure of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. and suggested his team may later request that the entire office be taken off the case. He named Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as another official who should be recused because he was at the dinner.
McFadden appeared skeptical of removing the whole office, calling it “quite a request.” He ordered prosecutors to file a response explaining their position on whether Pirro and Blanche should be considered victims.
Next Steps
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for June 29.
This was Allen’s latest court appearance since his arrest following the high-profile incident at the press dinner. The case continues to draw attention because of the serious charges and questions about potential conflicts of interest in the prosecution.
