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Man Who Tried To Shoot Trump At White House Press Dinner Pleads Not Guilty
On May 11, 2026, Cole Allen pleaded not guilty in a federal court in Washington, D.C., to four charges tied to an April 25 attack at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. He reportedly traveled from California with an arsenal, was tackled at a security checkpoint, and Trump was hurried away by Secret Service; the case could carry life in prison. The report notes this was the third alleged assassination attempt against Trump in less than two years, with prior incidents in 2024.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing security concerns surrounding high-profile political figures and the serious charges and potential penalties for attempts to harm the president.
Timeline
4 Events
May 11, 2026 plea in federal court
May 11, 2026
Cole Allen, 31, appeared in a federal district court in Washington, D.C., wearing an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs, and entered a not guilty plea to four charges related to the April 25 attack. He faces potential life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors described him as traveling from California to Washington by train with an arsenal.
April 25, 2026 attack at White House Correspondents' Association dinner
April 25, 2026
At a downtown Washington hotel during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Cole Allen traveled from California to Washington by train carrying a shotgun, a handgun and knives. He charged through a security checkpoint, was tackled and arrested, and Trump was rushed out of the venue by Secret Service after gunshots were heard; a Secret Service officer fired multiple times at Allen but did not hit him. Allen did not reach Trump or other guests. He faces four charges, including attempting to assassinate 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.
Arrest of armed man on West Palm Beach golf course (2024)
2024
A few months after the Butler incident, another armed man was arrested on a West Palm Beach golf course where Trump was playing a round.
Butler, Pennsylvania rally assassination attempt (2024)
2024
During a presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, a gunman fired several shots, killing an audience member and nicking the president in the ear, in an incident described as an assassination attempt against Trump.