Cole Allen, the individual accused of firing a weapon at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, is engaged in discussions with federal prosecutors about a potential plea deal, his legal team revealed Monday. The development was shared during a brief hearing in federal court.
Prosecutors stated that no plea offer has been formally extended at this time, but acknowledged ongoing discussions with Allen's defense team. The precise terms of any potential agreement were not disclosed.
Allen faces charges including attempting to assassinate President Trump, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and unlawfully discharging a firearm. If convicted of all charges, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Digital evidence, including forensic images obtained from Allen's devices under search warrants, was handed over to the defense.
Authorities indicted the 31-year-old California schoolteacher on May 5 for the incident that occurred on April 25 at the Washington Hilton. Court documents state Allen was armed with a pump-action shotgun and multiple knives when he stormed the event and fired at a Secret Service agent, striking the agent's bulletproof vest before being subdued by other officers. A manifesto reportedly found, signed with pseudonyms including "Cole ‘coldForce’ ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ Allen," allegedly expressed intent to target President Trump and members of his administration.
Earlier, Allen's lawyers attempted to have Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro removed from the case, citing their attendance at the dinner and perceived close relationships with the President. However, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied this motion, ruling that neither individual met the legal definition of a victim and were unlikely to be witnesses at trial.
The judge scheduled the next status conference for August 20, recognizing the need for additional time for the defense to review the extensive evidence in the complex case. A protective order issued in June limits the disclosure of certain evidence to protect personal identifying information and law enforcement tactics.