The man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner pleaded not guilty Monday in a high-profile federal court appearance in Washington, D.C.
Cole Allen, 31, entered the plea during a hearing in federal court as prosecutors pursue charges that could put him behind bars for life.
Allen faces multiple federal counts, including attempting to assassinate the president, assaulting law enforcement officers, transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony, and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence.
If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
The case stems from the April 25 shooting outside the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, the black-tie media gala attended by journalists, celebrities, senior administration officials, and members of Trump’s Cabinet.
Federal authorities allege Allen opened fire during the event, shooting a Secret Service agent in a bulletproof vest before officers subdued and arrested him at the scene.
🚨 IT'S OFFICIAL: Attempted Trump assassin Cole Allen pleads NOT GUILTY in federal court, facing up to life in prison if convicted
He even wants to KICK OFF US Attorney Jeanine Pirro and AG Todd Blanche from the case.
2 gun charges, attempting to assassinate the president, and… pic.twitter.com/OojhbZuz22
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 11, 2026
This story is developing…
BREAKING: White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting suspect Cole Allen pleads not guilty in federal court pic.twitter.com/bxdOvR7pSy
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 11, 2026
