Suspect Enters Not Guilty Plea
Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump last month at a gala in Washington, D.C., pleaded not guilty to all charges on Monday. Allen did not speak during the court proceeding as his attorney entered the plea on his behalf.
Charges and Potential Sentencing
The charges against Allen include attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offenses. The attempted assassination charge carries a potential sentence of up to life imprisonment.
Details of the Incident
Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a shotgun at a U.S. Secret Service agent and breached a security checkpoint during a foiled attack at the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner. The event was attended by Trump, senior administration officials, and over 2,500 members of the Washington press corps.
According to federal prosecutors, Allen traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, D.C., where he checked in as a guest at the Washington Hilton, the venue for the gala held on April 25.
Allen arrived at the hotel the evening before the event. During the event, he allegedly rushed through security above the reception area before being apprehended.
Prosecutors stated that Allen was carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a pistol at the time of the incident.
Manifesto and FBI Affidavit
An FBI affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint quotes from a manifesto Allen allegedly sent to family members shortly before being subdued outside the Hilton ballroom.
“I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,”
“Administration officials … are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
