Cole Tomas Allen, 31, pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges of attempting to assassinate President 
Trump at last month's White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, appearing before US District Judge Trevor McFadden in an orange jumpsuit and shackled at the wrists and feet. He faces gun charges including using a firearm during a crime of violence and interstate transportation of a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and could face up to life in prison if convicted, DW reported. Monday's appearance was Allen's first before McFadden, who will preside over the remainder of the case.
Prosecutors allege Allen sprinted through a metal detector at the Washington Hilton on the night of the dinner with a shotgun raised in both hands, the BBC reported, and fired at a US Secret Service agent who was hit but saved by his bullet-proof vest. Agents tackled Allen just short of a staircase leading to the ballroom where Trump, Vice President JD Vance and cabinet officials were attending. The president and other officials were rushed from the venue after the gunshots rang out, DW reported. Authorities said Allen had left his home in Torrance, California, on 21 April and travelled by train to Chicago before continuing to Washington.
Allen's lawyers asked McFadden to disqualify the entire DC US Attorney's Office from the case, including US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and separately to remove Attorney General Todd Blanche, the BBC reported. Defense lawyer Eugene Ohm told the court it would be "wholly inappropriate" for those who had "presented themselves as victims of the attack in public statements" to be directing the prosecution. The justice department was given until 22 June to respond. McFadden asked the government to specify whether it believed Pirro and Blanche could be considered victims in the case, DW reported.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
