A 31-year-old California man charged with attempting to assassinate US President Donald Trump at the annual White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner pleaded not guilty on Monday.

Cole A. appeared before Judge Trevor McFadden in a federal district court in Washington D.C. He faces charges of attempting to assassinate the president, transportation of 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. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

Prosecutors allege that Cole A. fired a shotgun at a US Secret Service agent and stormed a security checkpoint at the dinner with the intention of attacking Trump and other administration members.

The man allegedly traveled by train from his home in California to Washington D.C. and booked a room at the Washington Hilton, where the event was to take place. Officials found a shotgun, pistol, and knives in his possession.

This is the third alleged assassination attempt against Trump in less than two years. Cole A. was never able to get close to Trump or other guests, but the president, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were close enough to hear shots and were rushed out of the venue by security.

Among the attendees were acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Cole A.'s lawyers have signaled they will seek both Blanche and Pirro to recuse themselves due to their status as victims and their friendship with Trump.

District Judge Trevor McFadden gave prosecutors until May 22 to respond in writing to the defense's request and to specify whether Pirro and Blanche could be considered victims in the case.

Source: www.dw.com