The California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during last month’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner pleaded not guilty Monday to four federal charges during an arraignment in Washington federal court.
Cole Allen, 31, appeared Monday morning before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden for a formal arraignment and status hearing connected to the April 25 shooting at the Washington Hilton, where top Trump administration officials, journalists, and political figures had gathered for the annual dinner.
Allen entered not guilty pleas to charges of attempting to assassinate the president, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Federal prosecutors allege Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, breached a security checkpoint at the hotel while armed with a shotgun and other weapons. Authorities said a Secret Service officer was struck in the chest by gunfire during the confrontation but survived because he was wearing a ballistic vest.
The indictment against Allen was returned this month by a federal grand jury following a sprawling investigation involving the FBI, Secret Service, and Justice Department.
According to prosecutors, Allen traveled from California to Washington by train in the days leading up to the dinner and checked into the Washington Hilton shortly before the incident. Investigators have said they recovered weapons and other evidence they believe were connected to the alleged attack.
Monday’s hearing also marked the first court appearance since Allen’s federal public defenders filed a motion seeking to disqualify acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, from the prosecution.
Defense attorneys argued both officials were inside the ballroom during the alleged shooting and that their involvement creates at least the appearance of a conflict of interest. The filing also cited Pirro’s friendship with Trump and public remarks she made after the incident.
The defense further requested that the court consider removing the entire U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from the case.
COLE ALLEN REQUESTS DOJ LAWYERS RECUSE THEMSELVES DUE TO WHCD SHOOTING TIES
Pirro has responded to that request in a statement, saying, “We will evaluate the motion and respond in court.”
McFadden, a Trump appointee, did not rule Monday on the disqualification request, and the issue is expected to be addressed in future proceedings as the case moves forward.