A California man accused of attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump during the White House correspondents’ association dinner in Washington has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including attempting to kill the president and shooting a Secret Service officer, during a court appearance on Monday.Cole Tomas Allen, 31, did not speak during the brief hearing, with one of his attorneys entering the not guilty plea on his behalf. The suspect appeared in federal court handcuffed, shackled and dressed in an orange jail uniform for his arraignment.Federal prosecutors allege Allen stormed through a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on the evening of April 25 while carrying firearms and knives during the annual media gala attended by Trump, US first lady Melania Trump, US vice president JD Vance and other senior officials.According to charging documents cited by CNN, Allen had approached and run through a magnetometer while holding a long gun. “As he did so, US Secret Service personnel assigned to the checkpoint heard a loud gunshot,” the documents stated. “US Secret Service Officer VG was shot once in the chest; Officer VG was wearing a ballistic vest at the time.”
Shooting at White House gala dinner
The incident occurred on the evening of April 25 during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington DC, a high-profile gathering attended by senior political leaders, media figures, and officials. Authorities said Allen approached the venue’s security perimeter and ran through a magnetometer before opening fire.One Secret Service officer was injured during the confrontation but survived due to protective gear. Trump and other key attendees were immediately secured and evacuated without harm. Law enforcement agencies swiftly detained the suspect at the scene, preventing further escalation.The US justice department later confirmed the charges against Allen, with investigations ongoing into his motives and background, including a manifesto referenced by officials.
