Trending Now - Cole Allen, Accused in Trump Assassination Attempt, Pleads Not Guilty

WHO:

CNN - Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is the suspect accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

CNN - Allen's defense attorney is Eugene Ohm.

CNN - The judge presiding over the case is Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by Trump.

CNN - US Attorney for DC is Jeanine Pirro.

WHAT:

Yahoo - Cole Allen was indicted by a federal grand jury on four charges, including attempting to kill President Trump, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during an act of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines.

Yahoo - Allen faces life in prison if convicted.

AP - Allen was charged with firing a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during the attack, which disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

AP - A Secret Service officer was shot once in a bullet-resistant vest during the attack, and the officer fired five shots but did not hit anyone.

AP - Allen was outfitted with an ammunition bag, a shoulder gun holster, and a sheathed knife when he took a photo of himself in his hotel room just minutes before the attack.

AP - Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in a message that authorities say sheds light on his motive.

AP - Allen was placed on suicide watch after his arrest but was removed from that status after several days.

AP - Allen's attorneys suggested that the appointment of a special prosecutor might be warranted.

AP - The judge ordered prosecutors to respond in writing to the defense's request by May 22.

AP - The next hearing in the case is set for June 29.

AP - Allen was charged with using a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives when he ran past Secret Service officers during the incident.

AP - Allen's attorneys filed a motion requesting the recusal of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the case due to their presence at the event, which they argue creates a potential conflict of interest.

AP - The judge ordered prosecutors to respond in writing to the defense's request by May 22.

AP - Cole Tomas Allen was charged with firing a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during the attack, which disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

AP - Allen was outfitted with an ammunition bag, a shoulder gun holster, and a sheathed knife when he took a photo of himself in his hotel room just minutes before the attack.

AP - Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in a message that authorities say sheds light on his motive.

AP - A Secret Service officer was shot once in a bullet-resistant vest during the attack, and the officer fired five shots but did not hit anyone.

AP - Allen was placed on suicide watch after his arrest but was removed from that status after several days.

AP - Allen's attorneys suggested that the appointment of a special prosecutor might be warranted.

ABC News - Cole Allen is facing a potential life sentence if convicted on the charges against him.

NBC News - Allen appeared in court with shackles around his wrists and wore an orange shirt during the hearing.

ABC News - Cole Allen is facing a potential life sentence if convicted on the charges against him.

Newsweek - Trump commented on a federal magistrate judge's apology to Cole Tomas Allen, stating it was "not even believable."

CNN - Allen is charged with assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon and two gun counts.

Fox News - The judge, Trevor McFadden, expressed skepticism about the defense's request to remove the entire DC US Attorney's office from the case, stating it "would be quite a request."

CNN - Cole Allen pleaded not guilty to four charges, including attempting to assassinate President Trump and assaulting an officer.

CBS News Politics - Allen is also charged with transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence.

CNN - The next hearing in the case is set for June 29.

WHERE:

CNN - The incident occurred at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner held at a hotel in Washington, DC.

CNN - Allen appeared in federal court in Washington, DC.

WHEN:

AP - The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for June 29.

AP - The judge gave prosecutors until May 22 to respond in writing to the defense’s request regarding the potential recusal of officials from the case.

US Magazine - Cole Allen attended a preliminary hearing in Washington, D.C., on May 11, 2026.

CNN - The White House Correspondent’s Dinner took place on April 26.

CNN - Allen entered his not guilty plea in federal court on a Monday morning.

WHY:

AP - Allen's defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, stated that they would likely seek to disqualify the entire office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the case, citing potential victim status due to their presence at the dinner.

AP - Defense attorney Eugene Ohm stated, “We assume a lot about how victims feel,” regarding the potential recusal of Jeanine Pirro and others involved in the case.

CNN - Defense attorney Eugene Ohm stated, “We assume a lot about how victims feel,” regarding the potential recusal of Jeanine Pirro and others involved in the case.

CNN - Allen's attorneys argued for the recusal of Jeanine Pirro and other officials from the case, claiming they could be considered victims due to their presence at the dinner.

HOW:

AP - Allen appeared in federal court with shackles around his wrists, and his public defender, Tezira Abe, spoke on his behalf.

WTNH - Allen appeared in federal court with shackles around his wrists, and his public defender, Tezira Abe, spoke on his behalf.

CNN - Allen allegedly stormed through a security checkpoint at the hotel with loaded firearms and knives.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 13:30 UTC)

Cole Allen has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four serious charges, including attempting to kill Trump and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, following an incident where he fired a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during the White House Correspondents' Dinner. If convicted, Allen faces the possibility of life in prison, and his next court hearing is scheduled for June 29, with prosecutors required to respond to defense requests by May 22. During his court appearance, Allen was shackled and represented by public defender Tezira Abe, while his attorney suggested that a special prosecutor may be needed due to potential conflicts involving the U.S. Attorney's office.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 07:50 UTC)

Cole Allen has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four serious charges, including attempting to kill Trump and assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. The indictment details that Allen allegedly used a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives during the incident, and his attorneys are seeking to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro recused from the case due to a potential conflict of interest. A judge has ordered prosecutors to respond to this request by May 22, and the next court hearing is set for June 29.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 01:28 UTC)

Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with firing a shotgun at a Secret Service officer during an incident that disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and he was found with an ammunition bag, a shoulder gun holster, and a sheathed knife shortly before the attack. Authorities revealed that Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in a message that may provide insight into his motives, while the Secret Service officer involved was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but returned fire without hitting anyone. The judge has given prosecutors until May 22 to respond in writing to the defense's request regarding the potential recusal of officials from the case.

(UPDATED May 11, 2026 23:16 UTC)

Cole Allen is facing a potential life sentence if convicted on the charges against him. During a preliminary hearing in Washington, D.C., he appeared in court wearing an orange shirt and shackles around his wrists. The hearing took place on May 11, 2026.

(UPDATED May 11, 2026 21:21 UTC)

Cole Allen is facing a potential life sentence if convicted on the charges against him. In response to this situation, Trump commented on a federal magistrate judge's apology to Allen, calling it "not even believable." The case continues to draw significant attention as it unfolds.

(UPDATED May 11, 2026 17:38 UTC)

Allen has been charged with assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, along with two gun counts. During the proceedings, Judge Trevor McFadden expressed skepticism about the defense's request to remove the entire DC US Attorney's office from the case, calling it "quite a request." Allen appeared in federal court in shackles, with his public defender, Tezira Abe, speaking on his behalf.

(UPDATED May 11, 2026 15:55 UTC)

Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old suspect, has been accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump and has pleaded not guilty to four charges, including assaulting an officer. His defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, is contesting the charges, which also include transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony and discharging a weapon during a crime of violence. The incident occurred during the White House Correspondent’s Dinner at a hotel in Washington, DC, where Allen allegedly stormed through a security checkpoint armed with loaded firearms and knives. The case is being overseen by Judge Trevor McFadden, who was appointed by Trump, and US Attorney for DC, Jeanine Pirro, is involved in the prosecution. The next hearing is scheduled for June 29, as Allen's attorneys have requested the recusal of Pirro and other officials, citing their potential status as victims due to their presence at the dinner.