Judge Expresses Concern Over Prison Treatment of Cole Allen, Alleged Shooter at Correspondents' Dinner
Judge Zia Faruqui Apologizes to Cole Allen for Restrictive Jail Conditions as He Faces Charges for Attempted Murder of Trump
At the hearing, Faruqui apologized to Allen and questioned penitentiary officials about the treatment he has received, considering it excessive and punitive.
Allen, 31 years old and a resident of Torrance, California, remains in custody in Washington D.C. after the attack, in which, armed with pisto The knives and a shotgun went through a security checkpoint and aimed at a Secret Service agent, who responded with five shots.
Extreme measurements for Cole Allen
According to Deputy Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine, Allen told the FBI that he did not expect to survive, which initially led to his classification as a suicide risk.
Allen's lawyers have noted that, for the first week in jail, he was confined to a padded cell with the light onpermanently, with no access to a phone or tablet, and no possibility of private meetings with his legal team.
In addition, he was denied a Bible and a chaplain's visit. Although a psychiatrist determined a suicide risk, his defenders assure that he did not present danger factors upon arriving at prison.
Announces change of measures for Cole Allen
Tony Towns, acting legal counsel of the Department of Corrections of the Columbia, assured that the conditions will be modified soon, including the providing a tablet to review legal documents.
Allen was moved to protective custody separate from other inmates, while his permanent location is determined prior to trial. Faruqui ordered the Department of Corrections to report to the court by Tuesday on the deadlines for determining his final housing.
He criticized that others accused of serious crimes, such as those of January 6, have received less restrictive treatment in medium or low security prisons, while Allen has been kept in extreme isolation.
“It could drive a person crazy to be in that situation,” Faruqui said during the hearing, adding that he is concerned about due process rights.
Allen faces charges of attempted murder of the president and two additional firearm related charges, with a potential chain sentence life for attempted murder. His attorney, Eugene Ohm, reiterated the current restrictions on the cell and lack of access to religious services.
The District Attorney of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, criticized the judge on social media, arguing that Allen, armed and with intention to assassinate the president, shouldn't receive preferential treatment.
The hearing focused on ensuring the safety and health of the accused while the conditions of his detention are defined,and the court monitors that his legal rights are respected.

