WASHINGTON (7News) — The man accused of opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, allegedly targeting President Donald Trump and other senior administration officials, is scheduled to return to federal court Monday for another key hearing in one of the nation’s highest-profile criminal cases.

Cole Tomas Allen is expected to appear before a federal judge at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in Northwest Washington for a status hearing, where prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to provide updates on the progress of the case, address pending legal matters, and discuss the next steps as the prosecution moves forward.

The hearing comes just days after U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden denied the defense’s request to remove Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro from overseeing the prosecution. Defense attorneys argued both officials had conflicts of interest because they attended the April White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, where the shooting occurred, and because of Pirro’s longstanding relationship with Trump.

Guests take cover under tables after a shooting incident outside the ballroom during the White House Correspondents Dinner, Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The judge ruled that those arguments did not meet the legal standard for disqualification, allowing both officials to remain involved in the case.

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Allen has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination of the president, assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, and firearms offenses. Prosecutors allege Allen traveled from California to Washington before the April attack, armed himself with multiple weapons, attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, and fired a shotgun that struck a Secret Service agent’s protective vest.

Newly released DOJ photos show suspected Trump assassination attempt suspect Cole Allen armed inside his Washington Hilton hotel room before the April 25, 2026, White House dinner shooting. The images, released April 29, 2026, also show the weapons authorities say he brought to the hotel. (DOJ)

The agent was not seriously injured. If convicted on the most serious charges, Allen could face life in prison.

Monday’s proceeding is not expected to include testimony or a ruling on Allen’s guilt or innocence. Instead, it serves as an important checkpoint in the federal criminal process, allowing both sides to update the court on discovery, outstanding motions, and scheduling as the case continues toward trial.