A federal judge expressed concern that Cole Allen, accused of plotting an attack on Donald Trump, is being held under more restrictive conditions than defendants from the January 6th Capitol attack. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui questioned the severity of the measures imposed on Allen, particularly regarding his confinement status.
Judge Questions Confinement Conditions
During a hearing in the U.S. District Court in Washington, Judge Faruqui stated that he had never encountered a January 6th defendant subjected to the level of restraint currently applied to Allen.
- Judge Faruqui noted that Allen was placed in a safe cell and subjected to suicide watch protocols.
- The judge expressed concern because these measures were implemented without a finding of actual suicide risk or consideration of Allen's criminal history.
Faruqui remarked, "A lot of people have seemed to forget about Jan. 6, but I have not. Pardons erase convictions but do not erase history."
Allegations of Excessive Restrictions
Allen's legal counsel, Eugene Jeen-Young Kim Ohm, detailed the restrictive environment at the D.C. jail. The attorney informed the court that:
- Allen was placed in a safe, padded cell, effectively under a 24-hour lockdown with constant lighting.
- He was reportedly prevented from making legal calls over the weekend.
- He was denied access to paperwork or legal work within his cell.
- A requested Bible was also denied.
Judicial Scrutiny and Orders
The judge questioned the disparity in treatment, asking how the D.C. jail houses individuals found guilty with less restrictive conditions than Allen, who is being held without bond.
- Faruqui stated, "It's a high-profile case... He should not be in solitary confinement."
- The judge demanded transparency, stating, "If that's what is going to happen, I want to know that, and I want to know why."
Ultimately, Judge Faruqui ordered the prosecutors to submit an email by Tuesday morning detailing the final decision regarding Allen's detention location.
