WASHINGTON — Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to shoot at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, entered a not guilty plea during a hearing on Monday in a federal court in Washington, DC. The charges against Allen include the attempted assassination of President Trump.
The 31-year-old is also facing charges for assaulting law enforcement officers, transporting a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a weapon during a violent crime.
If convicted, Allen could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Allen’s defense team contends that the attack, which took place at the prestigious annual event attended by President Trump and several of his cabinet members, necessitates the recusal of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the prosecution.
Following the incident on April 25 at the Washington Hilton, where Allen reportedly shot a Secret Service agent who was protected by a bulletproof vest, the former teacher from Torrance, California, has been placed under suicide watch. He was eventually subdued after the alleged attack.
