The man accused of trying to assassinate President Donald Trump at last month’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner pleaded not guilty to all charges during a court appearance in Washington, DC on Monday (May 11). Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was indicted for attempting to assassinate the president, assaulting a federal officer, and multiple weapons charges.

Prosecutors say Allen stormed past a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel on April 26 while armed with loaded firearms and knives. Surveillance footage shows Allen rushing past at least ten people, including several armed officers, in an apparent attempt to reach President Trump and other top officials, who were on a different floor at the time.

During the incident, Allen allegedly fired a shotgun while running through security. A Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but was protected by a ballistic vest and survived. Authorities say Allen was subdued before reaching the ballroom where the president and the first lady were located.

At Monday’s hearing, Allen appeared in shackles as his attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Defense lawyers argued that the U.S. Attorney for DC, Jeanine Pirro, and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche should be removed from the case due to their presence at the dinner, raising concerns about impartiality. Judge Trevor McFadden questioned the need for their removal and asked prosecutors to respond to the motion.

Officials say Allen checked into the hotel two days before the dinner and was aware of President Trump’s location. At a press conference, Blanche described the attack as an 'attempted assassination,' noting that Allen allegedly intended to target high-ranking cabinet members as well. Investigators are reviewing a manifesto reportedly sent by Allen to his family, which appears to confirm President Trump was his main target. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and law enforcement still analyzing evidence and looking into Allen’s motives.

President Trump expressed satisfaction with the Secret Service response but indicated that a meeting will be held to review and potentially strengthen security protocols at future events. The next court hearing in Allen’s case is scheduled for June 29.