Trump Criticizes Judge’s Apology to White House Dinner Shooter

On May 4, 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui addressed Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old suspect in the April 25 White House Correspondents’ dinner shooting, and apologized for his confinement conditions. In an interview with Sharyl Attkisson, former President Donald Trump called the apology “not even believable, actually,” while noting he felt “very secure” and praising the Secret Service.

NewsweekPresident Donald Trump Blasts Judge Who Apologized to Alleged Would-Be Assassin Cole Allen Over Jail Conditions — 'Not Even Believable'We Got This Covered

Allen rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton ballroom armed with a shotgun and knives. Law enforcement stopped him before he could reach the ballroom where Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were seated. A Secret Service officer was hit but his vest prevented injury. Allen faces four felony charges, including attempted assassination of the president, which carries a potential life sentence.

Newsweek

April 25, 2026 – Shooting at the White House Correspondents’ dinner.

Newsweek

May 4, 2026 – Judge Faruqui’s apology hearing.

Newsweek

May 5, 2026 – Federal indictment on four felonies.

Newsweek

May 11, 2026 – Arraignment scheduled.

Newsweek

Trump praised the Secret Service and dismissed the judge’s apology as implausible. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case shows that “violent political actors will never win” under Trump’s leadership. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro condemned the apology, arguing a defendant who tried to kill the president should not receive preferential treatment. Attkisson noted the apology as a rare judicial acknowledgment of detainee conditions.

Newsweek

Pirro’s condemnation was echoed by conservative commentators. Influencer Nick Sortor called the judge’s remarks “an absolute joke,” and Collin Rugg described the judges as “absolutely insane and belong in prison.” Critics argue the apology creates a disparity between the seriousness of Allen’s alleged crime and the judge’s concern for his treatment.

We Got This Covered

NBC reported that Faruqui apologized in 2023 to Taylor Taranto, a January 6 defendant, though Trump did not identify that incident. Sources differ on whether the apology addressed Allen’s confinement specifically or broader institutional failures. Details about Allen’s solitary-watch conditions remain limited.

We Got This Covered

• “Not even believable, actually,” — Donald Trump, former President

Newsweek

• “I'm sorry. It sounds like things have not been the way they're supposed to.” — Zia M. Faruqui, U.S. Magistrate Judge

Newsweek

• “Under the leadership of President Trump, violent political actors will never win—we will prosecute anyone who engages in these horrific acts to the fullest extent of the law," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said after Allen was indicted.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

Newsweek

• “Magistrate Judge Faruqui believes a defendant armed to the teeth and attempting to assassinate the president is entitled to preferential treatment in his confinement compared to every other defendant," Pirro wrote on X.” — Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C.

Newsweek