Man Accused of Trump Assassination Plot Pleads Not Guilty

Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of attempting to kill President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, pleaded not guilty to all four counts against him Monday at a federal court hearing in Washington, D.C.

Federal Public Defender Tezira Abe entered the plea on Allen's behalf, telling the court her client "pleads not guilty to all four counts as charged." Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Jones told the court that prosecutors expect to begin turning over discovery material to the defense by the end of this week.

A separate legal fight is also taking shape over who should handle the case. Defense attorney Eugene Ohm said the team will likely seek to disqualify not just U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, but the entire D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, citing Pirro's apparent supervisory role in the case and the fact that both she and Blanche were present at the Washington Hilton when the alleged plot unfolded. Ohm added that evidence expected from prosecutors later this week will help shape that decision.

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden appeared skeptical of the broad recusal request, though he did set a briefing and hearing schedule to address it. Allen's next court appearance is scheduled for June 29th.