Overview
- Allen, who entered a not guilty plea Monday in Washington federal court, remains in custody as the case moves into pretrial motions.
- He faces four federal counts including attempting to assassinate the president, assaulting a federal officer, transporting a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, which together could carry a life sentence.
- Defense lawyers asked to remove Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro over claimed conflicts tied to their attendance at the dinner, and the judge set May 22 for the government’s response with a June 29 status hearing.
- Prosecutors say Allen traveled from California by train with a shotgun, a pistol, and knives, checked into the Washington Hilton, took a hotel-room selfie, and then rushed a checkpoint on April 25 and fired a shotgun that struck a Secret Service officer’s ballistic vest.
- Jail conditions have drawn scrutiny after a judge criticized his placement on suicide precautions that restricted visits, phone calls, and personal items, with Allen’s lawyers arguing the limits hinder his ability to help in his defense.