A California resident facing federal charges for an armed assault at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner entered a not guilty plea during his Monday court appearance in Washington.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, appeared before a federal judge in restraints and jail clothing for his formal arraignment. Allen remained silent throughout the proceedings while his legal team submitted the plea on his behalf.
Federal prosecutors allege Allen breached security at the April 25 event while carrying firearms and bladed weapons, then discharged a shotgun at a Secret Service agent attempting to halt his advance. The charges against him include attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Allen’s defense team has requested that U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden remove key Justice Department figures from the prosecution due to potential conflicts of interest. Defense attorney Eugene Ohm argued that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro should be disqualified since both were present during the incident and could serve as witnesses or be considered victims.
The judge did not immediately decide on the recusal motion but requested additional details from the defense regarding the extent of their request. Ohm indicated they may seek to exclude Pirro’s entire office from the case.
The attack occurred at the Washington Hilton during one of the capital’s most prominent annual gatherings. A Secret Service officer sustained a gunshot wound to their protective vest during the confrontation, while Allen suffered injuries but was not struck by gunfire. The incident forced organizers to conclude the event prematurely.
Allen’s next court date is set for June 29.
The defendant faces multiple federal charges beyond the assassination attempt, including assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and additional firearms violations. If found guilty on the assassination charge alone, he could receive a life sentence.
Following his arrest, Allen was initially monitored for suicide risk but was later removed from that status. His attorneys have criticized his treatment in custody, citing concerns about his confinement conditions including constant illumination, frequent searches, and restraint usage.
According to prosecutors, Allen informed FBI investigators that he did not anticipate surviving the assault, which officials cite as justification for the initial suicide precautions.
