The man accused of attempting to assassinate U.S. President Donald Trump during a gala in Washington, D.C., last month is seeking to remove top Justice Department officials from his prosecution, arguing they are also witnesses to the attack and have made prejudicial public statements.
Motion to Disqualify
Cole Tomas Allen's legal team filed a motion late Thursday to disqualify Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro from the case. The defense argues that both officials were present at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner when Allen allegedly breached a security checkpoint and opened fire with a shotgun.
“Both heard gunshots, which presumably forced them to duck below the tables with the rest of the occupants,” the filing states. “Their active involvement in the prosecution of Mr. Allen therefore creates grave concerns about whether they are making prosecutorial decisions as representatives of the government or as witnesses.”
The motion contends that the line between impartial prosecution and one tainted by apparent conflicts of interest has been crossed. Allen’s lawyers also cite public comments made by Blanche and Pirro following the attack, which they claim could prejudice a jury against their client.
Broader Recusal Sought
The defense further argues that all prosecutors from Pirro’s office, which is leading the case, may need to be recused due to the conflict. Pirro responded in a statement, saying her office “will evaluate the motion and respond in court.” She added, “We will not tolerate people who come to the District of Columbia to engage in anti-democratic acts of political violence; and we will prosecute all such acts to the fullest extent of the law.”
Blanche’s office has not yet commented on the motion. The case continues to draw significant attention as it raises questions about prosecutorial impartiality in high-profile political violence cases.
