Suspect in White House press gala shooting pleads not guilty
He is charged with four offences tied to the 25 April attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner at a downtown Washington hotel and could face life in prison if he is convicted.
A dramatic security scare at last month’s White House press gala has now moved into the courtroom, where a California man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump entered a not guilty plea.
Cole Allen, 31, of California, remained silent during the hearing as his lawyer, Tezira Abe, submitted the plea on his behalf.
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Mr Allen appeared before the court in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs.
He is charged with four offences tied to the 25 April attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at a downtown Washington hotel and could face life in prison if he is convicted.
Secret Service agents rushed into action after the shooting at the Washington Hilton
Prosecutors say Mr Allen, described as a highly-educated teacher and engineer, travelled by train from his home in California to Washington while carrying what they called an arsenal, including a shotgun, a handgun and numerous knives.
Authorities say he never came close to Mr Trump or other guests gathered on a lower floor for the White House press dinner. After gunshots rang out, Secret Service agents quickly escorted the president from the venue.
Law enforcement officers subdued and arrested Mr Allen almost immediately after, prosecutors say, when he charged through a security checkpoint carrying multiple weapons. A Secret Service officer fired several shots at him but did not strike him.
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The annual dinner typically attracts Washington journalists, administration officials, celebrities and entertainers. Trump has usually boycotted the event but chose to attend this year.
It marked the third alleged assassination attempt against the 79-year-old president in less than two years.
Mr Trump was previously targeted during a presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
During that attack, a gunman fired several rounds, killing one audience member and grazing the president’s ear.
Months later, another armed man was arrested at a golf course in West Palm Beach where Mr Trump was playing a round.