WHCD Shooting Suspect Cole Allen Concedes Detention; New Evidence Links Shotgun to Attack

The California man charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at last Saturday’s White House Correspondents' Dinner appeared in federal court for a second time Thursday. During the detention hearing, Cole Allen’s attorney announced that his client would concede detention, meaning Allen will remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings.

In an unusual move, federal prosecutors requested to proceed with the hearing despite the concession in an attempt to place evidence of Allen’s alleged crimes into the public record. The judge denied the request, describing it as "unprecedented" at this stage of the case.

The ongoing investigation continues to uncover disturbing details about the moments leading up to the attack. According to a prosecution memo, Allen used his phone for hours prior to the shooting to research the dinner and the President’s schedule, even watching live coverage of the event.

Law enforcement officials have officially ruled out "friendly fire" as a factor in the injury of a Secret Service officer during the chaos. Ballistics evidence has linked Allen’s shotgun to the round that struck the officer, who was saved by a protective vest.

The reach of the investigation has extended back to California, where officials seized multiple computers from Allen’s home along with a pistol and several knives. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for D.C., stated that additional charges are expected to be filed as the investigation unfolds.

Allen is currently being held in 24-hour lockdown in a high-security cell at the D.C. Jail. He is scheduled to return to federal court on May 11 to enter a plea.

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