Man accused in attempted assassination of Trump pleads not guilty to all charges

Added: 2026-05-16

[00:00:00]New developments in the case involving the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump during the White House Correspondents Dinner. Cole Allen is expected back in federal court in just a few hours. His attorneys are pushing to remove two top Justice Department officials from the case.

[00:00:14]>> straight out live to reporter John Gonzalez this morning who is outside the courthouse with the latest. Good morning, John.

[00:00:21]Adam and Adriana, good morning to you both and that's right. 31-year-old Cole Allen is expected back inside the US District Courthouse here in downtown Washington. He will stand before Judge Trevor McFadden for a status hearing at 9:00 this morning and yet another arraignment after a grand jury indictment last week. Now, in a bit of a twist here, the former teacher's federal public defenders are now asking the court to remove US Attorney Jessie Liu Piero and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche from the prosecution. In a new motion, defense attorneys argue both officials were inside that Hilton Ballroom during the incident last month and say that creates at least the appearance appearance of conflict of interest. The filing also points to Piero's friendship with President Trump and several public comments she has already made after the attack. Piero has responded saying, "Quote, we will evaluate the motion and respond in court, unquote." Defense attorneys are also asking the court to consider disqualifying the entire US Attorney's Office for DC from handling this case.

[00:01:29]If you are willing to do so with a firearm and cross state lines, we will find you, we will track your steps from the inception of your plan, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.

[00:01:43]Washington, D.C. is not the place to travel to commit acts of violence.

[00:01:49]Today's hearing is expected to be largely procedural. The judge will formally advise Allen of the new grand jury indictment he now faces four felony federal charges and he is expected to enter a not guilty plea. The court could also set timelines for discovery motions and future proceedings. And the hearing today could also touch on how the judge plans to deal with pre-trial publicity.

[00:02:14]Of course, the entire country has been watching closely to see how this all unfolds. Reporting live, John Gonzalez, 7 News.

[00:05:49]>> Mhm.

[00:07:44]>> Mhm.

[00:08:04]>> Mhm.