The suspect accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump last month at a gala in Washington D.C. has formally pleaded not guilty to all charges. Cole Tomas Allen, 28, did not speak during the Monday court hearing as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Allen faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offenses. The most serious charge carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment if convicted.
The Attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner
Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a shotgun at a U.S. Secret Service agent and attempted to breach a security checkpoint during the annual White House correspondents' dinner on April 25. The event, held at the Washington Hilton, was attended by Trump, senior administration officials, and over 2,500 members of the Washington press corps.
According to federal prosecutors, Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., where he checked into the Washington Hilton as a guest the evening before the gala. As the event was underway, he allegedly rushed through a security area above the reception before being subdued by law enforcement.
Authorities recovered a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a pistol from Allen, as stated in a court filing. An FBI affidavit supporting the criminal complaint references a manifesto that Allen allegedly sent to family members shortly before the incident.
“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” the manifesto reportedly reads. “Administration officials … are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
The case continues to unfold as Allen remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
