Cole Allen, the 31-year-old California man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at a high-profile gala last month appeared in federal court on Monday.
While there he entered a plea of not guiltyregarding the shooting incident that occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
The hearing took place before Judge Trevor McFadden. Allen, who was transported to the D.C. courtroom this Monday in an orange prison jumpsuit and restraints, remained quiet as his legal team submitted the plea on his behalf.
As previously reported, federal prosecutors have laid out a serious case against Allen, filing four specific charges related to the April 25 incident: Attempted assassination of the President, Assaulting a federal officer, Transporting firearms across state lines to commit a felony, and using a firearm during a violent crime.
Of course, the legal stakes are at the highest level. Under federal law, if a jury finds Allen guilty on these counts, he could face life imprisonment.
Details of the Incident
According to investigators, the chaotic scene unfolded at a hotel in downtown Washington. Allen allegedly bypassed a security checkpoint and fired a single shot.
The bullet struck a Secret Service agent directly in the chest. Fortunately, the agent was wearing a bulletproof vest, which absorbed the impact and limited the injuries to minor bruising. Allen was tackled and arrested by security forces immediately after the shot was fired.
Judge McFadden has scheduled a status hearing for June 29, where the court will discuss the timeline for a trial and the discovery of evidence. Until then, Allen remains in federal custody.