Man charged in White House correspondents’ dinner attack pleads not guilty

Cole Tomas Allen pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an alleged attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Allen is accused of attempting to kill President Donald Trump and firing a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during the April 25, 2026 event. He appeared in federal court in Washington, D.C., for his arraignment, where his attorney entered the plea on his behalf. Allen's defense team is seeking to disqualify top Justice Department officials, including Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, from prosecuting the case due to their presence at the dinner, arguing it creates a conflict of interest. The judge is considering the recusal request.