Accused correspondents' dinner shooter seeks to disqualify Pirro and Blanche because they attended press gala
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Attorneys for Cole Allen, accused of shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, have filed a motion to disqualify U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and other senior DOJ leaders from the case, citing their presence during the incident.
- The defense argues Pirro and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche should be recused as they are "purported victims and witnesses," with Pirro publicly acknowledging her experience in the event and being a close friend of former President Trump.
- Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of President Trump, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and firearm offenses, though he has not yet entered a plea.
- The defense cited Justice Department rules on recusal due to conflicts of interest or personal relationships, questioning the impartiality of having alleged victims involved in prosecuting the case.
- Prosecutors state Allen was armed with multiple weapons, fired a shotgun at an officer who was protected by a vest, and was subsequently apprehended after a brief exchange of gunfire.
