Attorneys for a man accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump at a black-tie press gala last weekend asked a judge on Saturday to remove him from suicide watch at a Washington jail.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly forced his way through a security checkpoint and fired a shotgun outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25.
After being booked on April 27, Allen was placed in a “safe cell,” described in a court filing as a padded room under 24-hour lockdown, where he was required to wear a restrictive vest similar to a straitjacket.
He was later moved to suicide precautions, which still barred him from making phone calls, receiving visitors other than his legal team, or leaving his cell except under escort for legal meetings or showers.
According to the filing, a nurse recommended ending those measures on Friday, but they remained in place during a lawyer’s visit that same day.
His attorneys argue the restrictions are punitive and limit access to basic resources, including a jail tablet that would allow him to communicate with family members.
Allen faces charges of attempted assassination, discharging a firearm during a violent crime, and illegally transporting weapons and ammunition across state lines. He has not yet entered a plea.
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With inputs from Reuters
