Cole Tomas Allen, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last month, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The plea was entered by his attorney during a court appearance on Monday, with Allen remaining silent.
Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offenses. The most serious charge carries a potential life sentence. Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a shotgun at a US Secret Service agent and stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the annual gala was held on 25 April.
According to federal prosecutors, Allen travelled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, checking into the hotel the evening before the event. During the dinner, he allegedly rushed through a security area above the reception before being apprehended. He was found carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a pistol.
An FBI affidavit quotes from a manifesto allegedly sent by Allen to family members shortly before he was subdued. The manifesto reportedly states, 'I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,' and lists administration officials as targets.
