Inside the case against Cole Tomas Allen over alleged Trump assassination attempt at WHCD

WASHINGTON, DC: The federal case against Cole Tomas Allen, the California man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in April, remains in its early stages, with no trial date yet set.

Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate the president and assaulting a federal officer. In recent months, the case has centered on pretrial motions, with defense attorneys unsuccessfully seeking to remove several officials from the prosecution team, including US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Prosecutors say Cole Tomas Allen planned attack after traveling from California

According to prosecutors, Allen traveled from California with weapons and checked into the hotel hosting the annual White House Correspondents' Dinner to scout the venue and gain easier access to the event.

Authorities allege that as Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other senior officials attended the dinner, Allen sprinted through a security checkpoint outside the ballroom carrying a shotgun.

Officials said he managed to fire one round, which struck a Secret Service officer's protective vest. The officer returned fire several times but missed the suspect and nearby law enforcement personnel.

Allen was quickly subdued and taken into custody while Trump and other dignitaries were escorted to safety.

Defense argues prosecutors lack evidence of assassination intent

Federal prosecutors maintain that Allen intended to assassinate Trump, pointing to his travel, alleged preparations, and evidence gathered during the investigation.

However, defense attorneys argue the government's case is "built entirely upon speculation." They contend that a document allegedly written by Allen does not explicitly mention Trump and therefore cannot be used as proof that he intended to kill the president. 

The defense has also challenged the involvement of certain prosecutors, including Pirro, but the court has rejected those requests.

With discovery and other pretrial proceedings still underway, the case has progressed slowly. A federal judge has not yet set a date for Allen's trial, meaning the legal battle over one of the most significant alleged attacks on a sitting US president in recent years is expected to continue for months.