Lawyer Argues for Bail for White House Correspondence Dinner Shooting Suspect

In Washington, Cole Allen’s lawyer has presented an unusual argument for why the Caltech graduate should be released pending trial, despite facing serious charges for allegedly trying to assassinate President Trump.

Defense attorneys claimed that Allen, 31, was armed with a pump-action shotgun but wasn’t ready to execute the shooting during the dinner attended by Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and many top officials.

“Although Mr. Allen has no criminal history or prior arrests, this alone counters the presumption of detention,” they stated in an 11-page filing submitted on Thursday.

The lawyers also suggested that the government’s concerns about “mass shootings” do not align with the facts. They noted that Allen was not carrying an automatic or semi-automatic weapon, which they say are characteristic of modern mass shootings.

According to federal authorities, Allen was found with a fully loaded 12-gauge Mossberg Maverick shotgun and an extended magazine tube when he attempted to breach a Secret Service checkpoint at the event.

Additionally, prosecutors reported that selfies of Allen showed him fully armed, holding a .38 super-caliber semi-automatic handgun and several knives.

Shotguns have been involved in several mass shootings, including those at Columbine, the 2012 Aurora theater, and the 2018 Santa Fe high school shooting.

However, during a brief court hearing on Thursday, defense lawyer Tejiro Abe changed his tune, stating, “I approve of his detention at this time.” He mentioned that the defense might address bail in the future.

Allen’s attorney emphasized his lack of a criminal record and previous standing as a respected community member.

“He was a devout Christian who dedicated many hours to his church group for as long as anyone can remember. He was a cherished teacher and colleague, known for his kindness and empathy, never resorting to violence,” the federal public defender said.

They also contested the federal prosecutors’ assertion that Allen aimed to target the president, noting a manifesto in which he expressed intentions to kill as many members of the Trump administration as possible, excluding FBI Director Kash Patel.

The defense concluded that the government’s evidence tying Allen to the attempted assassination is largely based on speculation, even under the most lenient interpretation.

“While the government might argue that this letter indicates a desire to target officials, it does not specifically implicate President Trump,” they added.

Prosecutors have urged the court to keep Allen in custody while awaiting trial on charges including attempted assassination of President Trump, transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.

Photos released by prosecutors reveal Allen posing for a selfie in the mirror of his hotel room at the Washington Hilton before trying to pass through security.