Weather

65°F6:40 AM

Crime

1 read

Judge Critiques Prosecutors in Case of White House Dinner Gunman

KVIA•Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:14 PM•CNN

Scales of justice representing crime and courts news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

A federal judge criticized prosecutors for their courtroom behavior during a hearing for Cole Tomas Allen, the man accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents' Dinner with a shotgun. Judge Moxila Upadhyaya expressed concern that the proceedings were becoming a spectacle rather than a serious legal matter. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday night, involved Allen allegedly firing at a Secret Service officer, with six shots recorded during the event. As the investigation continues, Allen faces initial charges that may evolve as more evidence is examined. The case raises questions about the intent behind his actions and the response of law enforcement present at the scene.

Key Details: • Court hearing took place on Thursday, with Judge Upadhyaya's comments highlighting prosecutorial conduct. • Cole Tomas Allen faces charges for discharging a firearm during a violent crime. • Six shots were fired during the incident, with a Secret Service officer injured. • Investigation is ongoing, and charges may change as a grand jury reviews the case.

court law-enforcement shooting security white-house

People & Organizations

Justice DepartmentSecret ServiceJeanine PirroCole Tomas AllenMoxila UpadhyayaSean M. CurranWhite House Correspondents' Dinner

Related Articles

Controversial Execution Looms for Jeffery Lee Despite Jury's Life Sentence Vote

Jeffery Lee, sentenced to death for the 1998 murders of Jimmy Ellis and Elaine Thompson, faces execution by nitrogen gas this Thursday, despite a jury's recommendation for life imprisonment. The jury's decision was overturned by a judge using a now-abolished judicial override process, which Alabama repealed in 2017. Lee's legal team has petitioned Governor Kay Ivey for clemency, arguing that executing him under an outdated law contradicts current standards of justice. With Lee's execution imminent, the case highlights ongoing concerns about the death penalty and its application to past convictions. Lee's defense emphasizes his troubled upbringing and the impact of his actions on the victims' families.

Investigation Underway After Man Found Dead in Socorro Water

El Paso authorities are investigating the death of a man found in water near Rio Bosque Park in Socorro. The El Paso Police Department received a call at 7:17 p.m. regarding the incident, which has raised questions about jurisdiction since the location is technically in Socorro. As of now, further details about the circumstances surrounding the man's death have not been disclosed. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in the area, prompting community interest in police responses and recovery operations.

El Paso Matters•Jun 9

El Paso County Jail Staffing Plan Aims to Fill 40 Positions Annually

The El Paso County Commissioners Court has approved a new staffing strategy for the Sheriff's Office that is expected to fill at least 40 detention officer positions each year without relying on costly overtime pay. This plan utilizes salary savings from existing vacancies to temporarily fund additional officers at the county's jails. Despite a decrease in the inmate population, overtime costs have surged to approximately $30,000 daily, raising concerns about budget management. The Sheriff’s Office will provide quarterly updates to the Commissioners Court regarding staffing and overtime expenditures. This initiative is supported by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Association, which has long faced staffing shortages.

Sarai Ortiz's Bond Denied Following Stabbing Incident in Sunland Park

A 31-year-old woman, Sarai Ortiz, has had her bond denied by a judge after being charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing a family member in Sunland Park on June 1. This incident has raised serious concerns about domestic violence in the area, prompting prosecutors to pursue multiple charges against Ortiz. The case highlights the ongoing issues of safety and crime in the community, and it is crucial for residents to stay informed about local incidents that may affect their safety.