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Plea Talks Revealed at Court in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Case

Informal negotiations between Cole Allen’s lawyers and prosecutors could narrow issues in a high-profile prosecution as discovery continues.

Overview

  • The alleged attack took place on April 25 when prosecutors say Cole Tomas Allen rushed a Washington Hilton checkpoint, fired a pump-action shotgun and struck a Secret Service agent’s vest before being subdued.
  • Allen was federally indicted on May 5 on counts that include attempted assassination of the president, assault on a federal officer and firearms offenses that carry a possible life sentence.
  • At a brief status hearing on Monday defense counsel and prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden that they have discussed a possible plea, though prosecutors said no formal offer has been made.
  • Prosecutors have turned over thousands of pages and gigabytes of digital evidence, including DOJ photos and forensic images from search warrants, and a protective order has limited wider disclosure of sensitive files.
  • The judge denied the defense’s bid to disqualify Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the speedy-trial clock was tolled and the next status conference is scheduled for August 20 as the case moves toward a possible resolution or trial.