POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsCBS News PoliticsMay 1, 2026United States

Judge criticizes prosecutors in White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting case

A federal judge scolded prosecutors for attempting to hold a full detention hearing for Cole Allen, the man accused of attacking the White House Correspondents' Dinner, even though the defendant had already agreed to remain in custody. The judge expressed concern that the government was seeking to present evidence for an audience other than the court, potentially turning the proceedings into a 'circus.'

criminal justicejudiciaryWhite House Correspondents' Dinnernational securityattempted assassination
Read the full story at CBS News Politics

Why It Matters

The court's handling of this case determines the pre-trial detention status of a defendant charged with attempting to assassinate the President, while also setting expectations for how the Justice Department manages and public evidence in high-profile national security cases.

Key Facts

  • Cole Allen is charged with attempting to assassinate the president and two gun-related charges.
  • The defendant, Cole Allen, has conceded to remaining in custody pending trial.
  • Judge Moxila Upadhyaya denied the government's request to proceed with a full detention hearing despite the defendant's agreement to be detained.
  • The judge ordered the Justice Department to provide available discovery materials to the defense before the next hearing.
  • The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 11.
  • The judge noted the potential for 'significant issues' regarding national security documents in the case.
  • The U.S. Attorney's office released video footage showing the suspect running through a security checkpoint.
  • Prosecutors provided the court with images of firearms, ammunition, and items recovered from the suspect's hotel room.
  • The incident occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where approximately 2,600 guests were present.

Who's Mentioned

personTezira Abe“Defense attorney for Cole Allen.”personCole Allen“31-year-old defendant charged with attempting to assassinate the president and t”personJocelyn Ballantine“Prosecutor working on the case.”personCharles Jones“Prosecutor working on the case.”personMoxila Upadhyaya“U.S. Magistrate Judge presiding over the detention hearing.”locationWashington Hilton“Hotel where the suspect allegedly rented a room.”personDonald Trump“President present at the event.”personJeanine Pirro“U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C.”