A man accused of attempting to assassinate former US President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington DC has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Cole Tomas Allen appeared in court on Monday, where his attorney entered the plea on his behalf. The charges include attempted assassination of a president, assault on a federal officer, and firearms offences, with the most serious charge carrying a potential life sentence.
Prosecutors allege that Allen fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent and stormed a security checkpoint during the annual gala on 25 April, where Trump was present alongside senior officials and over 2,500 journalists.
According to court documents, Allen travelled from California to Chicago and then to Washington, checking into the Washington Hilton the evening before the event. During the dinner, he allegedly rushed a security area carrying a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a pistol.
An FBI affidavit cited a manifesto attributed to Allen, sent to family members shortly before he was subdued. It read: 'I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.'
