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A California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during last month’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, according to US media reports.
Cole Allen, 31, entered the plea on Monday during an appearance before a federal district court in Washington, DC. Reports say Allen appeared in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and handcuffs as proceedings began.
Federal prosecutors have charged Allen with four offences linked to the April 25 incident at a downtown Washington hotel where the annual White House press gala was taking place. The charges include attempting to assassinate the president, transporting firearms and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, using a firearm during a violent crime, and assaulting a federal officer. If convicted, Allen could face life imprisonment.
According to investigators, Allen travelled from California to Washington by train carrying what prosecutors described as an arsenal, including a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives. Authorities say he never reached President Trump or the high-profile guests attending the dinner on a lower floor of the venue.
Chaos broke out after gunshots were heard inside the hotel, prompting Secret Service agents to quickly move Trump out of the building. Law enforcement officers then confronted Allen as he allegedly forced his way through a security checkpoint carrying multiple weapons.
Officials say Allen was tackled and arrested almost immediately. During the confrontation, a Secret Service officer reportedly fired multiple shots at him but missed.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is one of Washington’s most prominent political and media events, attracting journalists, senior government officials, entertainers and celebrities each year. Trump had often boycotted the gathering during his political career but attended this year’s event.
The incident marks the third alleged assassination attempt against the 79-year-old president in under two years.
During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump survived a shooting at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a gunman killed one audience member and grazed Trump’s ear. Months later, another armed suspect was arrested at a golf course in West Palm Beach while Trump was playing.
