A man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A 31-year-old suspect, Cole Allen, pleaded not guilty on Monday in connection with the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Prosecutors said Allen allegedly tried to breach security at the Washington Hilton hotel during the April event, where President Donald Trump, senior administration officials and journalists were gathered. Authorities said he was armed and was stopped by law enforcement officers after rushing through a security checkpoint.
Allen faces four felony charges, including attempted assassination of the President of the United States, assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, transportation of firearms across state lines to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
According to investigators, Allen allegedly wrote that members of the Trump administration were his intended targets. During Monday’s court hearing, he remained silent as the charges were read.
Defense lawyers argued that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia could face a conflict of interest because officials connected to the case may also be considered potential victims.
The court gave prosecutors until May 22 to respond to the motion, while Allen is scheduled to return to court on June 29.