Cole Allen Pleads Not Guilty to 4 Charges as Defense Seeks Pirro's Removal
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 11
Cole Allen Pleads Not Guilty to 4 Charges as Defense Seeks Pirro's Removal
37 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 11
Cole Allen, 31, pleaded not guilty in Washington federal court to four counts tied to the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump.
Defense lawyers asked Judge Trevor McFadden to disqualify U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and potentially her office, arguing a conflict because Pirro and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche attended the event and Pirro is a friend of Trump.
Judge McFadden heard the challenge Monday after Allen's public defender said the team was unlikely to seek removal of the entire Justice Department, calling that a step too far.
The case stems from a shootout at the Washington dinner in which Allen allegedly fired during the attack; prosecutors have said additional charges remain possible.
How did a teacher with no criminal record become an alleged presidential assassin?
If security 'worked as designed,' how did a shootout erupt at the President's dinner?
Political Violence at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner: The Cole Tomas Allen Case and Its Implications
Overview
On April 25, 2026, Cole Tomas Allen attempted to breach a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton Hotel during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives. During the incident, a Secret Service agent was injured by buckshot, but President Donald Trump and all attendees remained safe. Allen was quickly taken into custody, and officials, including President Trump, praised law enforcement's rapid response. Authorities soon indicated Allen acted alone, and the event sparked immediate national and international condemnation, highlighting concerns about political violence and the effectiveness of current security measures.