The man facing charges for allegedly trying to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on April 25 has formally entered a plea in a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C. on Monday morning. Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has pleaded not guilty to a series of charges connected to the incident.
Allen faces accusations of attempting to assassinate the president, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, transporting a firearm across state lines, and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. The legal proceedings took place amidst heightened attention due to the gravity of the allegations.
In a related development, President Trump shared a photograph on social media depicting the moment law enforcement detained Cole Thomas Allen after the shooting incident at the event held in Washington, D.C. on April 25, 2026. The image was posted on Truth Social and has since circulated widely, underscoring the dramatic nature of the evening.
According to Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, additional charges against Allen may still be forthcoming. This case remains a focal point of national interest due to its potential implications and the high-profile nature of the alleged target.
However, Allen’s defense team has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest. They have requested that Pirro and her office be removed from the case, citing her status as a victim of the alleged crime and her personal friendship with President Trump, which they argue could bias the proceedings. This request was formally submitted in a court filing last Friday.
Additionally, the defense seeks the removal of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was present in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton when the shots were fired. This request highlights the defense’s strategy to ensure an impartial legal process for their client.
Cole Allen allegedly ran past Secret Service in an attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump. (@USAttyPirro via X)
“As this case proceeds closer to trial, the country and the world will continue to wonder—how can the American justice system permit a victim to prosecute a criminal defendant in a case involving them?” the motion asks. “Or even—how can one of the victim’s closest friends prosecute the alleged perpetrator of the offense? Given U.S. Attorney Pirro’s friendship with the President and her and Acting A.G. Blanche’s attendance at the event at the center of this prosecution, the law necessitates their disqualification.”
Pirro responded to the move on Friday.
“We will evaluate the motion and respond in court,” she told Fox News Digital. “We will not tolerate people who come to the District of Columbia to engage in antidemocratic acts of political violence; and we will prosecute all such acts to the fullest extent of the law.”
Eugene Ohm, Allen’s public defender, told Judge Trevor McFadden on Monday that it’s likely they would ask for Pirro’s entire office to be taken off the case.
However, Ohm said it was unlikely they would ask for the entire Department of Justice to be forced off the case as part of the Blanche request.
“That would be quite a request,” McFadden said.
Cole Allen in a graduation gown taken on an unknown date. (Cole Allen/LinkedIn)
Allen is scheduled to return to court for a status conference on June 29 at 10:30 a.m.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
