A 31-year-old man identified as Cole A. pleaded not guilty Monday to federal charges accusing him of trying to assassinate US President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner.
Cole A. appeared before Judge Trevor McFadden in federal court in Washington, D.C. He is charged with attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with intent to commit a felony, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and assaulting a federal officer. If convicted on the most serious counts, he faces up to life in prison.
According to prosecutors, the defendant allegedly fired a shotgun at a US Secret Service agent and forced his way through a security checkpoint at the gala with the intent to target the president and members of his administration. Officials say he traveled by train from California to Washington, D.C., registered at the Washington Hilton where the event was being held, and was found in possession of a shotgun, a pistol and knives.
Although Cole A. never reached Trump or other guests—the altercation occurred at a checkpoint on a different floor—shots were heard by attendees and the president, Vice President JD Vance and other officials were evacuated by security personnel. The incident is described by authorities as the third alleged assassination attempt against Trump in under two years.
Defense lawyers have indicated they will ask that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro be recused from the prosecution because they were among the gala’s attendees and have ties to the president. The defense contends it is inappropriate for alleged victims to be involved in prosecuting the case.
Judge McFadden gave prosecutors until May 22 to file a written response to the recusal request and asked the government to clarify whether it considers Blanche and Pirro to be victims in the matter. The case remains pending as pretrial proceedings continue.
(Edited by Alex Berry)