Defense attorneys for Cole Allen have argued that he should be released ahead of trial, claiming he does not pose a threat to the public despite facing serious charges linked to an alleged assassination attempt.

Allen, 31, is accused of attempting to target Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. His legal team initially maintained that he was not equipped to carry out a large-scale attack, noting that he was carrying a pump-action shotgun rather than a more rapid-fire weapon.

In court filings, his lawyers emphasized that Allen has no prior criminal record, stating that he had never been arrested before and had been a respected member of his community.

However, federal prosecutors allege that Allen attempted to force his way past security at the event while armed with a loaded 12-gauge shotgun. Authorities also claim he possessed additional weapons, including a handgun and knives, based on evidence such as a selfie recovered during the investigation.

During a court hearing, Allen’s defense team later conceded that he should remain in custody for now, though they indicated they may revisit the issue of bail at a later stage.

The defense also requested that Allen be moved from a high-security holding condition where he has reportedly been kept under strict supervision since the incident. Despite the charges, his lawyer again insisted that he does not present a danger.

Allen appeared briefly in federal court wearing a jail uniform and spoke only to greet the judge. Prosecutors pushed for continued detention, arguing that the seriousness of the charges warranted keeping him in custody until trial.

Presiding judge Moxila Upadhyaya declined to hear extended arguments from prosecutors at that time, noting it would be unnecessary since the defense was not actively contesting detention during the hearing.

In earlier filings, Allen’s attorneys described him as a religious individual involved in community and church activities, portraying him as someone known for kindness rather than violence.

They also challenged the prosecution’s claim that he specifically intended to assassinate the former president, arguing that evidence such as a written statement allegedly linked to Allen does not clearly prove he was targeting Trump directly.

Prosecutors, however, have charged Allen with multiple offenses, including attempted assassination, transporting a firearm across state lines to commit a crime, and discharging a weapon during a violent act.

Investigators say the incident took place at a venue in Washington, D.C., where Allen was stopped by security before gaining access to the main event area.

Authorities also released images showing him armed prior to the incident, which they say supports their case.

Allen has not yet entered a formal plea as legal proceedings continue, with further hearings expected in the coming weeks.

Jim