RismadarVoice Reporters
May 11, 2026
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in a Washington, D.C. court.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, entered the plea on Monday during his arraignment at a federal court in the United States capital.
According to court proceedings, Allen’s legal representative, federal public defender Tezira Abe, informed the court that the defendant was pleading not guilty to all four counts brought against him, including attempted assassination of the President of the United States in connection with the April 25 incident at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Allen, a California-based teacher and engineer, was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs and shackles, with security officials reporting that he had been armed with multiple firearms, knives, and other items when he allegedly breached a security checkpoint near the high-profile event attended by the President and other top officials.
Prosecutors told the court that Allen was arrested following an exchange of gunfire with a United States Secret Service officer, who sustained a gunshot wound to the chest but was later treated and discharged from the hospital. The suspect was not injured during the incident.
Authorities said the incident prompted the immediate evacuation of President Trump, Cabinet members, and congressional leaders who were attending the dinner alongside members of the press.
Allen is facing multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, illegal transportation of firearms and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, and a newly added charge relating to the shooting of a Secret Service agent.
During the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones informed the court that the prosecution would begin disclosure of initial evidence to the defence team within the week.
Court documents also revealed that Allen had reportedly sent a note to family members shortly before the attack, expressing apologies and criticism of the administration without directly naming the President. Prosecutors further alleged that he had prepared equipment including a shoulder holster, knives, and tools, and was found with ammunition-linked items at the scene.
Investigators said Allen had travelled from California to Washington, D.C., before the incident and had checked into a hotel near the event venue.
His sister reportedly told investigators that he had previously made radical statements and often spoke about “fixing the world,” although the family was not aware he possessed firearms.
Allen remains in federal custody and is scheduled for another court appearance on June 29 as legal proceedings continue.
