Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last month, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Allen entered the plea through his lawyer during his formal arraignment on Monday, May 11, 2026, in a federal court in Washington, D.C. He faces serious charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and multiple firearms offences. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.

The incident happened on April 25, 2026, at the Washington Hilton Hotel during the high-profile annual dinner attended by journalists, politicians, and President Trump. Prosecutors say Allen, from Torrance, California, rushed a Secret Service checkpoint armed with a pump-action shotgun, a handgun, and knives. He allegedly opened fire, striking a Secret Service officer in his protective vest. The officer survived.

Allen was quickly subdued by security. Court documents show he had taken selfies in his hotel room minutes before the attack, dressed in a suit and carrying weapons. Prosecutors described the evidence against him as strong and said his actions were intended as a political assassination.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Trevor McFadden read the charges from the grand jury indictment. Allen remained mostly silent as his attorney entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf. He continues to be held in federal custody.

The case has drawn intense attention as it marks another security scare involving President Trump. Allen’s defence team has raised concerns about his treatment in jail and has asked the court to remove certain top Justice Department officials from the case due to potential conflicts of interest.

For many Americans and people watching from across Africa and the world, the incident at such a major media event has raised fresh questions about political violence and the safety of public figures. The trial is expected to draw significant public interest as it moves forward.

The next court dates will focus on pre-trial matters as the case against Allen proceeds in federal court.