Cole Allen, the man accused of shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, entered a not guilty plea during a federal court hearing in Washington on Monday. He faces severe charges including the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
The 31-year-old is also facing accusations of assaulting law enforcement, transporting a firearm across state lines for criminal intent, and discharging a weapon during a violent crime, with potential life imprisonment looming if convicted.
The incident on April 25 occurred at the Washington Hilton while Secret Service agents were escorting Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other officials out of the event. Reports indicate a Secret Service agent was hit but is expected to recover. Authorities quickly subdued Allen and took him into custody.
In court, Allen wore an orange jumpsuit and was visibly restrained. He addressed U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden to offer his plea.
This case is gearing up for a contentious debate over the prosecution’s leadership.
Allen’s defense team argues that due to the prominent figures present at the event, it’s inappropriate for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to lead the prosecution. Defense attorney Eugene Ohm urged the court to dismiss Pirro and her entire office over concerns of a perceived conflict of interest.
Ohm expressed to the judge the impropriety of having Pirro or Blanche making critical prosecutorial decisions concerning the case.
Judge McFadden acknowledged that should the defense’s motion prevail, it could lead to significant implications for the prosecution.
Questions arose regarding potential witnesses, with Ohm pointing to Pirro’s close ties with Trump as a possible concern.
RELATED: NEW: DOJ Releases Chilling Pics Showing Deadly Arsenal Cole Allen Brought To WHCA Dinner
Additionally, Ohm raised the possibility of including Pirro and other officials as potential targets in a new indictment.
RELATED: JUST IN: Chilling Pics Show Cole Allen In Hotel Room Before Charging WHCA Dinner
A status conference has been scheduled for June 29, during which both sides will debate whether Joan and Blanche should recuse themselves from the case.
Following his arrest, Allen had been placed on suicide watch due to concerns raised by his attorneys regarding his treatment in custody, including limited access to religious texts.
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