\u201cIn line with longstanding precedent, the Court finds that neither the officials\u2019 dinner attendance nor their statements after the fact demonstrate a conflict of interest,\u201d McFadden wrote in an 18-page opinion. \u201cNor does Pirro\u2019s friendship with the President.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Allen\u2019s attorneys had argued that Blanche and Pirro were potential victims and witnesses, creating at least the appearance of a conflict. They also pointed to Pirro\u2019s longstanding relationship with President Trump and her public comments identifying Trump as one of the alleged targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Citing Allen\u2019s own writings, the judge noted that the suspect allegedly intended to target \u201cadministration officials\u201d broadly rather than any specific individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cAllen did intend to harm administration officials. He did not, however, name particular targets,\u201d McFadden wrote.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNothing suggests that Allen knew that either Blanche or Pirro would attend the dinner. The focus on the administration at large, rather than particular individuals, dilutes the potential biasing effect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The judge further ruled that neither Blanche nor Pirro qualifies as a victim under the law and that both are unlikely to serve as trial witnesses. Their continued involvement in prosecutorial decisions, he said, does not threaten Allen\u2019s right to a fair trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
McFadden also dismissed claims that Pirro\u2019s friendship with Trump \u2014 and Trump\u2019s pardon of her ex-husband during his first term \u2014 created a disqualifying conflict.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cPresidents routinely select high-ranking Justice Department officials from among their friends and supporters,\u201d the judge wrote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPirro\u2019s relationship with Trump is hardly an aberration. And the Court sees no reason, on this record, that she cannot fulfill her duties because of that friendship.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Allen, a 31-year-old California tutor and computer engineer, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the shocking attack that sent the Washington Hilton into chaos and prompted the evacuation of President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other top administration officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Federal prosecutors allege Allen traveled from California to Washington armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives, checked into the hotel hosting the annual media gala, and then attempted to breach security while targeting Trump administration officials. Authorities say he fired a shotgun at a Secret Service officer near a security checkpoint before being tackled and arrested. The wounded agent survived because of a bulletproof vest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to court filings, Allen allegedly emailed relatives a manifesto shortly before the attack outlining his grievances against the administration and indicating his intent to carry out violence against senior government officials. Prosecutors have charged him with attempted assassination of the president, assaulting a federal officer and multiple firearms offenses. If convicted on the most serious count, he could face life in prison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The failed bid to remove Blanche and Pirro marks another setback for Allen\u2019s defense team as the high-profile prosecution moves toward trial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the White House Correspondents\u2019 Association has announced plans to hold a rescheduled version of the dinner in July with significantly enhanced security measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n