A federal judge on Monday declined to disqualify Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the prosecution of Cole Allen, the suspect charged in connection with the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting plot.
Allen’s defense team had sought their removal, arguing that Blanche and Pirro had unavoidable conflicts of interest because they were present at the Washington Hilton during the April 25 black-tie event, maintain close ties to President Trump, and had made public remarks about the episode. Allen is accused of arriving at the dinner armed with two firearms and knives, allegedly intending to kill Trump and as many cabinet members as possible.
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US District Judge Trevor McFadden rejected those claims in an 18-page ruling, concluding that the pair “are unlikely to be trial witnesses, nor do they meet the legal definition of victims. Their statements about the investigation and friendships with the President likewise present no basis for screening them from the case.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
