A federal judge has expressed concern over the treatment of a man accused of trying to attack a major political event in Washington, DC and attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, questioning why he was placed on strict suicide watch after his arrest.
Defendant Cole Tomas Allen was initially held in restrictive “suicidal status” at the city jail before being moved to less restrictive custody following the objections of his legal team.
The court will report potential due process issues
During the hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui questioned the necessity of restrictive incarceration and suggested that there may have been a transition to punitive treatment.
“Being in that situation could drive a person crazy,” Faruqui said, referring to Allen’s prison conditions, which included constant lighting, searches and restraints outside his cell.
Faruqui expressed regret to Allen for the conditions of his imprisonment.
The judge also expressed concern that similar conditions are not typically imposed on other violent offenders held at the facility, noting that the jail routinely houses convicted murderers without 24-hour lockdown.
Prison officials defend the suicide decision
Tony Towns, representing the chief attorney for the D.C. Department of Corrections, told the court that Allen was initially placed on suicide watch after a psychiatric evaluation.
“Every case is different, your honor,” Towns said, defending the decision to place Allen under heightened surveillance.
Officials removed Allen from the suicide watch later in the weekend, though he was subsequently placed in protective custody.
Prosecutors cite mental health concerns
Justice Department prosecutor Jocelyn Ballantine said Allen’s own statements to investigators may have influenced the decision to consider him at risk.
Allen reportedly told FBI agents that he did not expect to survive the incident, which prosecutors say contributed to fears of possible self-harm.
Attack on the Washington Hilton
Allen, 31, of Torrance, Calif., is accused of attempting to attack a high-profile political dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, an event associated with the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Authorities said Allen was armed with firearms and knives when he broke through a security checkpoint and pointed the weapon at a Secret Service agent, who fired multiple shots in response. Officials said Allen was not hit in the exchange.
Fees and court proceedings
Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of the president and firearms offenses that carry a combined life sentence if convicted.
His attorney, Eugene Ohm, argued that Allen was denied basic amenities while in custody.
“He was not allowed to have anything in his cell,” Ohm said, adding that Allen requested a Bible and access to a chaplain, which has not yet been granted.
Continuous judicial review
Judge Faruqui continued to closely monitor the case and cited “serious concerns” about conditions in custody. While Allen’s attorneys did not object to his current protective custody status, the court hearing highlighted broader questions about how high-risk defendants are handled in pretrial detention facilities in Washington, DC.
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