Washington (US), 11 May (LaPresse/AP) – Cole Tomas Allen, accused of storming the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner armed with guns and knives, today pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of President Donald Trump and to firing a rifle at a Secret Service agent who was trying to stop the attack. Allen appeared in court for his preliminary hearing in handcuffs, shackles and an orange prison uniform. He did not speak during the brief hearing. One of his lawyers read the statement on his behalf. His lawyers are asking US District Judge Trevor McFadden to exclude at least two senior officials from the Department of Justice from direct involvement in the proceedings against him, as they could be considered victims or witnesses in the case, creating a potential conflict of interest.