InsiderWire Staff

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter sent a fundraising email to donors containing &quot;F*** Trump&quot; four times — including in the subject line — just one day after the third assassination attempt on President Trump's life at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Association dinner.The Sunday email made no reference to the <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/prosecutors-release-selfies-of-white-house-dinner-shooter-before-attack">assassination attempt</a> that occurred the day before. &quot;Today, I wanna start with one simple, powerful message we all agree on,&quot; Porter's campaign wrote. &quot;Say it with me. Ready, 1 … 2 … 3 … F*** Trump.&quot;&quot;Yeah, that's right, F*** Trump,&quot; the email continued. &quot;Together, we're going to kick Trump's a** in November and stop him in his tracks.&quot;Republican National Committee spokesman Nick Poche called Porter &quot;a degenerate loser who is sick in the head&quot; and said her email shows she's unfit to govern California. &quot;It's telling that failing Democrat candidates think their path to victory is to fan the flames of violence right after an assassination attempt,&quot; Poche told Fox News Digital.The timing drew sharp criticism from conservative commentators. Writer Bethany Mandel, who shared the email publicly, wrote on X: &quot;Imagine Barack Obama surviving three assassination attempts and 18 hours later, a Republican sent a fundraising email like this.&quot;Porter's inflammatory email comes as political tensions between parties have reached what House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently called an &quot;era of maximum warfare.&quot; The California Democrat has faced previous scrutiny for shouting and using profanity at staff members on camera and threatening to quit interviews with journalists.The controversy adds another layer to Porter's already troubled gubernatorial campaign. Her pattern of aggressive behavior has raised questions among California voters about her temperament and fitness for executive office. The email represents the latest example of Democrats maintaining hostile rhetoric even after political violence against Trump.Porter's campaign did not respond to requests for comment about the email or whether she plans to moderate her language following the assassination attempt. The incident highlights the deepening political divide as both parties gear up for November elections across the country.

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter sent a fundraising email to donors containing "F*** Trump" four times — including in the subject line — just one day after the third assassination attempt on President Trump's life at Saturday's White House Correspondents' Association dinner.

The Sunday email made no reference to the assassination attempt that occurred the day before. "Today, I wanna start with one simple, powerful message we all agree on," Porter's campaign wrote. "Say it with me. Ready, 1 … 2 … 3 … F*** Trump."

"Yeah, that's right, F*** Trump," the email continued. "Together, we're going to kick Trump's a** in November and stop him in his tracks."

Republican National Committee spokesman Nick Poche called Porter "a degenerate loser who is sick in the head" and said her email shows she's unfit to govern California. "It's telling that failing Democrat candidates think their path to victory is to fan the flames of violence right after an assassination attempt," Poche told Fox News Digital.

The timing drew sharp criticism from conservative commentators. Writer Bethany Mandel, who shared the email publicly, wrote on X: "Imagine Barack Obama surviving three assassination attempts and 18 hours later, a Republican sent a fundraising email like this."

Porter's inflammatory email comes as political tensions between parties have reached what House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently called an "era of maximum warfare." The California Democrat has faced previous scrutiny for shouting and using profanity at staff members on camera and threatening to quit interviews with journalists.

The controversy adds another layer to Porter's already troubled gubernatorial campaign. Her pattern of aggressive behavior has raised questions among California voters about her temperament and fitness for executive office. The email represents the latest example of Democrats maintaining hostile rhetoric even after political violence against Trump.

Porter's campaign did not respond to requests for comment about the email or whether she plans to moderate her language following the assassination attempt. The incident highlights the deepening political divide as both parties gear up for November elections across the country.

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter sent profanity-laced donor email Sunday, one day after third Trump assassination attempt at White House Correspo

Katie Porter Sends 'F*** Trump' Fundraising Email Day After Assassination Attempt

California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter sent profanity-laced donor email Sunday, one day after third Trump assassination attempt at White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the Trump administration can terminate humanitarian protections for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants without court oversight, with conservative justices appearing doubtful of the legal challenge.Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court that Congress gave the Homeland Security Secretary &quot;unreviewable discretion&quot; to end Temporary Protected Status designations. He warned that allowing judicial review would lead to &quot;judicial micromanagement&quot; of foreign policy decisions that belong to the political branches.&quot;Congress balanced the risk there might be some decision that's erroneous or baseless… that would evade judicial review, against the risk of what we're living through here, which is judicial micromanagement of the sorts of foreign policy laden in determinations and decisions that are naturally conferred upon the political branches,&quot; Sauer argued.Attorneys for the TPS holders pushed back, arguing the Homeland Security Secretary must follow &quot;procedural guardrails&quot; set by Congress — including reviewing country conditions, consulting other agencies, and providing 60 days notice before termination.&quot;The bottom line is the secretary can terminate TPS, but he must turn square corners and follow the rules Congress set,&quot; said attorney Ahilan T. Arulanantham. &quot;The government reads the statute like a blank check today. They want to use it to expel non-citizens, but the power that they seek is a double-edged sword.&quot;Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned whether the procedural requirements matter if the administration can still cancel protections after completing what she called a &quot;box-checking exercise.&quot; She asked why Congress would permit review of procedural steps when &quot;really what everybody cares about much more is the substance.&quot;Arulanantham responded that &quot;Congress and us too, and the millions of people who live with TPS holders, have some faith in government, and they believe that if there is consultation, the decisions will be better.&quot;The case centers on the Trump administration's decision to end protections that shield immigrants from deportation to countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. TPS currently protects roughly 700,000 immigrants from about a dozen countries.Sauer claimed the administration fulfilled procedural requirements by &quot;seeking input&quot; from the State Department, though he argued even those basic steps weren't legally required. He suggested the secretary could post a notice on social media platform X saying &quot;I hereby terminate Syria's TPS program effective tomorrow&quot; without facing judicial review.The arguments came as part of a busy day at the court, which also heard a separate case about the Voting Rights Act that overshadowed the immigration debate. The TPS case represents a test of executive power over immigration policy and whether courts can review the procedural steps agencies take when making major policy changes.A ruling favoring the Trump administration would give future presidents broad authority to end humanitarian protections with minimal procedural requirements. A decision against the government could require more thorough agency review processes and open the door for courts to scrutinize immigration policy changes. The court is expected to issue its decision by summer.

The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday on whether the Trump administration can terminate humanitarian protections for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants without court oversight, with conservative justices appearing doubtful of the legal challenge.

Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court that Congress gave the Homeland Security Secretary "unreviewable discretion" to end Temporary Protected Status designations. He warned that allowing judicial review would lead to "judicial micromanagement" of foreign policy decisions that belong to the political branches.

"Congress balanced the risk there might be some decision that's erroneous or baseless… that would evade judicial review, against the risk of what we're living through here, which is judicial micromanagement of the sorts of foreign policy laden in determinations and decisions that are naturally conferred upon the political branches," Sauer argued.

Attorneys for the TPS holders pushed back, arguing the Homeland Security Secretary must follow "procedural guardrails" set by Congress — including reviewing country conditions, consulting other agencies, and providing 60 days notice before termination.

"The bottom line is the secretary can terminate TPS, but he must turn square corners and follow the rules Congress set," said attorney Ahilan T. Arulanantham. "The government reads the statute like a blank check today. They want to use it to expel non-citizens, but the power that they seek is a double-edged sword."

Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned whether the procedural requirements matter if the administration can still cancel protections after completing what she called a "box-checking exercise." She asked why Congress would permit review of procedural steps when "really what everybody cares about much more is the substance."

Arulanantham responded that "Congress and us too, and the millions of people who live with TPS holders, have some faith in government, and they believe that if there is consultation, the decisions will be better."

The case centers on the Trump administration's decision to end protections that shield immigrants from deportation to countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances. TPS currently protects roughly 700,000 immigrants from about a dozen countries.

Sauer claimed the administration fulfilled procedural requirements by "seeking input" from the State Department, though he argued even those basic steps weren't legally required. He suggested the secretary could post a notice on social media platform X saying "I hereby terminate Syria's TPS program effective tomorrow" without facing judicial review.

The arguments came as part of a busy day at the court, which also heard a separate case about the Voting Rights Act that overshadowed the immigration debate. The TPS case represents a test of executive power over immigration policy and whether courts can review the procedural steps agencies take when making major policy changes.

A ruling favoring the Trump administration would give future presidents broad authority to end humanitarian protections with minimal procedural requirements. A decision against the government could require more thorough agency review processes and open the door for courts to scrutinize immigration policy changes. The court is expected to issue its decision by summer.

Conservative justices appear skeptical of challenge to Trump's cancellation of Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians and Syrians.

Supreme Court Weighs Trump's Authority to End Migrant Protections

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced Wednesday he will stay on the central bank's board of governors beyond his May 15 term expiration until a Department of Justice investigation into office renovation cost overruns concludes. The Fed held interest rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75% as oil price shocks from the Iran war drive inflation.&quot;I've said I won't leave the board until this investigation is well and truly over with transparency and finality, and I stand by it,&quot; Powell told reporters at a Washington, D.C. press conference. Powell could remain on the Fed's 12-member policymaking board until 2028, retaining influence over interest-rate decisions even after losing his chairman role.The Justice Department <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/fed-expected-to-hold-rates-steady-as-powells-criminal-probe-gets-dropped">dropped its criminal probe</a> into Powell last week, transferring the investigation to the Fed's inspector general. The criminal case focused on alleged false testimony to Congress about office renovation expenses. Powell, appointed by Trump in 2017, has called the probe &quot;politically motivated&quot; and designed to influence monetary policy.&quot;My concern is really about the series of legal attacks on the Fed, which threaten our ability to conduct monetary policy without considering political factors,&quot; Powell said. He added that he had planned to retire until the Trump administration's legal actions changed his mind, stating &quot;My intention is not to interfere.&quot;The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 Wednesday to approve Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh on party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the nomination. The committee had previously stonewalled Warsh's confirmation over the Powell investigation, but the DOJ's decision to drop criminal charges cleared the path forward.Stephen Miran, a former Trump administration official recently added to the Fed board, cast the lone dissenting vote on interest rates Wednesday, calling for a quarter-point cut. The current benchmark rate represents a significant drop from 2023 peaks but remains well above the 0% rate established during COVID-19.This setup creates an unusual dynamic where Powell retains voting power on monetary policy while his designated successor awaits full Senate confirmation. For American borrowers and savers, it means continued uncertainty about the Fed's direction as two competing visions for monetary policy could clash within the same boardroom. Warsh now faces a full Senate vote that will determine whether Powell's extended stay becomes a brief transition or a prolonged power-sharing arrangement.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced Wednesday he will stay on the central bank's board of governors beyond his May 15 term expiration until a Department of Justice investigation into office renovation cost overruns concludes. The Fed held interest rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75% as oil price shocks from the Iran war drive inflation.

"I've said I won't leave the board until this investigation is well and truly over with transparency and finality, and I stand by it," Powell told reporters at a Washington, D.C. press conference. Powell could remain on the Fed's 12-member policymaking board until 2028, retaining influence over interest-rate decisions even after losing his chairman role.

The Justice Department dropped its criminal probe into Powell last week, transferring the investigation to the Fed's inspector general. The criminal case focused on alleged false testimony to Congress about office renovation expenses. Powell, appointed by Trump in 2017, has called the probe "politically motivated" and designed to influence monetary policy.

"My concern is really about the series of legal attacks on the Fed, which threaten our ability to conduct monetary policy without considering political factors," Powell said. He added that he had planned to retire until the Trump administration's legal actions changed his mind, stating "My intention is not to interfere."

The Senate Banking Committee voted 13-11 Wednesday to approve Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh on party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing the nomination. The committee had previously stonewalled Warsh's confirmation over the Powell investigation, but the DOJ's decision to drop criminal charges cleared the path forward.

Stephen Miran, a former Trump administration official recently added to the Fed board, cast the lone dissenting vote on interest rates Wednesday, calling for a quarter-point cut. The current benchmark rate represents a significant drop from 2023 peaks but remains well above the 0% rate established during COVID-19.

This setup creates an unusual dynamic where Powell retains voting power on monetary policy while his designated successor awaits full Senate confirmation. For American borrowers and savers, it means continued uncertainty about the Fed's direction as two competing visions for monetary policy could clash within the same boardroom. Warsh now faces a full Senate vote that will determine whether Powell's extended stay becomes a brief transition or a prolonged power-sharing arrangement.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will remain on the central bank's board after his May 15 term expires until a DOJ investigation into office renovation costs

Powell Stays at Fed Board Until Investigation Ends — Senate Approves Warsh

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will remain on the central bank's board after his May 15 term expires until a DOJ investigation into office renovation costs concludes.

Republicans could expand their razor-thin House majority through mid-decade redistricting battles that have already reshaped congressional maps in five states, with a Supreme Court decision on April 29 potentially opening the door for additional GOP gains.The GOP currently holds a 217-212 advantage in the House with four vacancies — one of the smallest majorities in American history. Both parties have launched aggressive redistricting campaigns outside the normal 10-year census cycle, driven by Trump's demand to lock in more Republican-leaning districts.Texas led the charge in August, ramming through new maps despite Democratic opposition that changed the state's delegation from a 25-13 Republican margin to 30-8 based on 2024 voting patterns. California Democrats countered by dismantling their neutral redistricting commission, shifting their delegation from 43-9 Democratic to 48-4.Missouri Republicans flipped a safe Democratic district near Kansas City, moving the state from 6-2 Republican to 7-1. The redistricting wars have produced mixed results so far — Democrats hold a one-seat advantage with 10 newly drawn districts in their favor compared to nine for Republicans.That calculation could shift dramatically if Florida approves a new congressional map released Monday, potentially giving Republicans a three-seat advantage overall. The Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais has raised the stakes by making it harder to prove congressional maps violate racial discrimination laws.The ruling gives Republicans fresh ammunition to challenge existing maps or draw new ones, though the timeline makes major changes before the 2026 midterms uncertain. Voting rights groups have already filed racial gerrymandering challenges against the Texas redistricting, but the new law remains in effect.The redistricting battle reflects both parties' recognition that control of Congress may be decided in state legislatures and courtrooms rather than at the ballot box. With competitive districts increasingly rare, redrawing boundaries has become the most direct path to securing political power.North Carolina and Virginia have also conducted redistricting efforts as part of the national map-drawing offensive. The Cook Political Report data shows Republicans could gain up to five seats in Texas alone if their redistricting goals succeed, while Democrats project similar gains in California.Watch for Florida's legislature to vote on the new congressional map and additional legal challenges to emerge following the Supreme Court's weakening of racial gerrymandering protections.

Republicans could expand their razor-thin House majority through mid-decade redistricting battles that have already reshaped congressional maps in five states, with a Supreme Court decision on April 29 potentially opening the door for additional GOP gains.

The GOP currently holds a 217-212 advantage in the House with four vacancies — one of the smallest majorities in American history. Both parties have launched aggressive redistricting campaigns outside the normal 10-year census cycle, driven by Trump's demand to lock in more Republican-leaning districts.

Texas led the charge in August, ramming through new maps despite Democratic opposition that changed the state's delegation from a 25-13 Republican margin to 30-8 based on 2024 voting patterns. California Democrats countered by dismantling their neutral redistricting commission, shifting their delegation from 43-9 Democratic to 48-4.

Missouri Republicans flipped a safe Democratic district near Kansas City, moving the state from 6-2 Republican to 7-1. The redistricting wars have produced mixed results so far — Democrats hold a one-seat advantage with 10 newly drawn districts in their favor compared to nine for Republicans.

That calculation could shift dramatically if Florida approves a new congressional map released Monday, potentially giving Republicans a three-seat advantage overall. The Supreme Court's decision in Louisiana v. Callais has raised the stakes by making it harder to prove congressional maps violate racial discrimination laws.

The ruling gives Republicans fresh ammunition to challenge existing maps or draw new ones, though the timeline makes major changes before the 2026 midterms uncertain. Voting rights groups have already filed racial gerrymandering challenges against the Texas redistricting, but the new law remains in effect.

The redistricting battle reflects both parties' recognition that control of Congress may be decided in state legislatures and courtrooms rather than at the ballot box. With competitive districts increasingly rare, redrawing boundaries has become the most direct path to securing political power.

North Carolina and Virginia have also conducted redistricting efforts as part of the national map-drawing offensive. The Cook Political Report data shows Republicans could gain up to five seats in Texas alone if their redistricting goals succeed, while Democrats project similar gains in California.

Watch for Florida's legislature to vote on the new congressional map and additional legal challenges to emerge following the Supreme Court's weakening of racial gerrymandering protections.

Republicans hold 217-212 House majority but could gain seats through redistricting battles in Texas, Florida after Supreme Court weakens racial gerrymandering r

Supreme Court Ruling Opens Door for GOP Map Redraw — House Control at Stake

Republicans hold 217-212 House majority but could gain seats through redistricting battles in Texas, Florida after Supreme Court weakens racial gerrymandering rules.

The FBI and international police forces arrested 276 suspects Wednesday in a coordinated global sweep targeting overseas cryptocurrency &quot;pig-butchering&quot; scam centers that stole millions from Americans. The operation dismantled at least nine illicit networks operating in Dubai, China and Thailand.Dubai Police apprehended 275 suspects while Royal Thai Police arrested an additional fugitive. Federal prosecutors unsealed wire fraud and money laundering charges in San Diego against six people, including nationals from Burma and Indonesia who allegedly managed operations under names like &quot;Sanduo Group&quot; and &quot;Giant Company.&quot;The foreign criminals used &quot;pig-butchering&quot; tactics to drain American bank accounts. Scammers built fake friendships or romantic relationships with victims over months, eventually convincing them to deposit funds into bogus cryptocurrency investment platforms. They constantly bragged about fake investment successes to encourage victims to invest more money, pushing Americans to take out loans or borrow from family members.&quot;Global crime now faces global justice,&quot; said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. &quot;These scammers thought they were safe half a world away. But their world has changed.&quot;Once victims transferred their money, the suspects laundered the funds into their own accounts, leaving Americans with nothing. The scams specifically targeted vulnerable citizens and drained families of their life savings, according to officials.The crackdown directly implements President Trump's March 6 executive order directing the administration to use every available tool to crush foreign-backed criminal networks that exploit Americans. The investigation was led by the Homeland Security Task Force, established under Executive Order 14159, &quot;Protecting the American People Against Invasion.&quot;The HSTF operates as a whole-of-government partnership focused on eliminating transnational criminal organizations and cartels that fuel instability. This represents exactly the kind of aggressive action American taxpayers expect against foreign threats targeting their wallets and financial security.The FBI's recent &quot;Operation Level Up&quot; initiative has already notified nearly 9,000 victims of similar schemes, successfully saving Americans an estimated $562 million, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. That's real money staying in American pockets instead of flowing to overseas criminal enterprises.The sweep demonstrates how Trump's enforcement-first approach to transnational crime is delivering results. Rather than treating these as isolated financial crimes, the administration is targeting them as national security threats that require international cooperation and aggressive prosecution.The FBI is urging anyone who has been defrauded by similar cryptocurrency investment schemes to report the crimes immediately. With Trump's task force now operational and international partners coordinating arrests, more takedowns of foreign-based scam operations targeting Americans are likely coming.

The FBI and international police forces arrested 276 suspects Wednesday in a coordinated global sweep targeting overseas cryptocurrency "pig-butchering" scam centers that stole millions from Americans. The operation dismantled at least nine illicit networks operating in Dubai, China and Thailand.

Dubai Police apprehended 275 suspects while Royal Thai Police arrested an additional fugitive. Federal prosecutors unsealed wire fraud and money laundering charges in San Diego against six people, including nationals from Burma and Indonesia who allegedly managed operations under names like "Sanduo Group" and "Giant Company."

The foreign criminals used "pig-butchering" tactics to drain American bank accounts. Scammers built fake friendships or romantic relationships with victims over months, eventually convincing them to deposit funds into bogus cryptocurrency investment platforms. They constantly bragged about fake investment successes to encourage victims to invest more money, pushing Americans to take out loans or borrow from family members.

"Global crime now faces global justice," said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. "These scammers thought they were safe half a world away. But their world has changed."

Once victims transferred their money, the suspects laundered the funds into their own accounts, leaving Americans with nothing. The scams specifically targeted vulnerable citizens and drained families of their life savings, according to officials.

The crackdown directly implements President Trump's March 6 executive order directing the administration to use every available tool to crush foreign-backed criminal networks that exploit Americans. The investigation was led by the Homeland Security Task Force, established under Executive Order 14159, "Protecting the American People Against Invasion."

The HSTF operates as a whole-of-government partnership focused on eliminating transnational criminal organizations and cartels that fuel instability. This represents exactly the kind of aggressive action American taxpayers expect against foreign threats targeting their wallets and financial security.

The FBI's recent "Operation Level Up" initiative has already notified nearly 9,000 victims of similar schemes, successfully saving Americans an estimated $562 million, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. That's real money staying in American pockets instead of flowing to overseas criminal enterprises.

The sweep demonstrates how Trump's enforcement-first approach to transnational crime is delivering results. Rather than treating these as isolated financial crimes, the administration is targeting them as national security threats that require international cooperation and aggressive prosecution.

The FBI is urging anyone who has been defrauded by similar cryptocurrency investment schemes to report the crimes immediately. With Trump's task force now operational and international partners coordinating arrests, more takedowns of foreign-based scam operations targeting Americans are likely coming.

FBI and international police arrested 276 suspects in global operation targeting cryptocurrency pig-butchering scam centers that stole millions from Americans.

FBI Busts Global 'Pig-Butchering' Crypto Rings — 276 Arrested

The Justice Department released a new photo Wednesday showing Cole Allen armed and inside his Washington Hilton Hotel room before he opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in an alleged attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump.The image, included in a DOJ filing seeking to keep Allen detained pending trial, shows the suspect at 8:03 p.m. taking a mirror selfie while wearing tactical gear. According to prosecutors, Allen &quot;appeared to be wearing a small leather bag consistent in appearance with the ammunition-filled bag later recovered from his person, a shoulder holster, a sheathed knife consistent in appearance with one of the knives later recovered from his person, and pliers and wire cutters.&quot;&quot;The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this memorandum in support of its oral motion to detain defendant Cole Tomas Allen pending trial,&quot; the Wednesday filing states. Jeanine Pirro serves as the U.S. district attorney for the District of Columbia.Federal prosecutors argue Allen crossed the country with one mission: killing the president. &quot;Had the defendant achieved his intended outcome, he would have brought about one of the darkest days in American history. The defendant traveled across the country with the explicit aim to kill the President of the United States,&quot; the document declares, calling it &quot;a planned attack of unfathomable malice.&quot;The Justice Department's detention memo makes clear they view Allen as too dangerous for release. &quot;The facts and circumstances in this case compel the conclusion that there is no condition or combination of conditions that would reasonably assure the community's safety if the defendant were released pending trial,&quot; prosecutors wrote.The attempted assassination at the Washington Hilton carries dark historical echoes — the same hotel where John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Allen's methodical preparation, evidenced by the tactical gear and weapons cache recovered from his hotel room, demonstrates the premeditated nature of the attack that could have altered American history.For national security officials, the case highlights ongoing threats to presidential safety and the challenge of protecting high-profile political events. The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner traditionally brings together the president, cabinet members, lawmakers, and media figures in one ballroom — creating what security experts call a &quot;target-rich environment.&quot;The release of Allen's hotel room photo, as Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/prosecutors-release-selfies-of-white-house-dinner-shooter-before-attack">previously reported</a>, provides the clearest evidence yet of his preparation and intent. The tactical gear visible in the mirror selfie matches items recovered during his arrest, building the prosecution's case that this was a carefully planned assassination attempt rather than a spontaneous act.A federal judge will now decide whether Allen remains behind bars as his case moves toward trial, with prosecutors arguing no bail conditions could ensure public safety given the severity and premeditated nature of the alleged assassination plot.

The Justice Department released a new photo Wednesday showing Cole Allen armed and inside his Washington Hilton Hotel room before he opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in an alleged attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump.

The image, included in a DOJ filing seeking to keep Allen detained pending trial, shows the suspect at 8:03 p.m. taking a mirror selfie while wearing tactical gear. According to prosecutors, Allen "appeared to be wearing a small leather bag consistent in appearance with the ammunition-filled bag later recovered from his person, a shoulder holster, a sheathed knife consistent in appearance with one of the knives later recovered from his person, and pliers and wire cutters."

"The United States of America, by and through its attorney, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, respectfully submits this memorandum in support of its oral motion to detain defendant Cole Tomas Allen pending trial," the Wednesday filing states. Jeanine Pirro serves as the U.S. district attorney for the District of Columbia.

Federal prosecutors argue Allen crossed the country with one mission: killing the president. "Had the defendant achieved his intended outcome, he would have brought about one of the darkest days in American history. The defendant traveled across the country with the explicit aim to kill the President of the United States," the document declares, calling it "a planned attack of unfathomable malice."

The Justice Department's detention memo makes clear they view Allen as too dangerous for release. "The facts and circumstances in this case compel the conclusion that there is no condition or combination of conditions that would reasonably assure the community's safety if the defendant were released pending trial," prosecutors wrote.

The attempted assassination at the Washington Hilton carries dark historical echoes — the same hotel where John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Allen's methodical preparation, evidenced by the tactical gear and weapons cache recovered from his hotel room, demonstrates the premeditated nature of the attack that could have altered American history.

For national security officials, the case highlights ongoing threats to presidential safety and the challenge of protecting high-profile political events. The White House Correspondents' Association Dinner traditionally brings together the president, cabinet members, lawmakers, and media figures in one ballroom — creating what security experts call a "target-rich environment."

The release of Allen's hotel room photo, as Insider Wire previously reported, provides the clearest evidence yet of his preparation and intent. The tactical gear visible in the mirror selfie matches items recovered during his arrest, building the prosecution's case that this was a carefully planned assassination attempt rather than a spontaneous act.

A federal judge will now decide whether Allen remains behind bars as his case moves toward trial, with prosecutors arguing no bail conditions could ensure public safety given the severity and premeditated nature of the alleged assassination plot.

Justice Department filing includes new photo of Cole Allen armed in hotel room before White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting attempt on Trump.

DOJ Releases Armed Photo of Cole Allen, Seeks to Keep Trump Shooter Jailed

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied Wednesday that his decision to indict former FBI Director James Comey was motivated by personal ambition or presidential direction, pushing back against critics who view the prosecution as politically driven.&quot;This was absolutely, positively not an audition&quot; for the permanent attorney general position, Blanche told reporters. He categorically denied that President Trump directed him to pursue the indictment against Comey.The denial comes as <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/former-trump-lawyer-cobb-calls-latest-comey-indictment-classic-revenge">former Trump lawyer Cobb calls the prosecution &quot;classic revenge&quot;</a> and Republican senators question the strength of the evidence. Blanche's comments represent his most direct response to mounting criticism that the Justice Department has become a vehicle for settling political scores.Comey faces multiple federal charges stemming from social media posts that prosecutors argue contained coded threats against Trump. The <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/grand-jury-hits-comey-with-second-indictment-as-scotus-reviews-immigration-status">grand jury has hit Comey with a second indictment</a>, escalating the legal pressure on the former law enforcement chief who led the FBI during Trump's first term.Blanche's position as acting attorney general puts him in the unusual situation of overseeing a high-profile prosecution while potentially being considered for the permanent role. Legal experts have raised concerns about the appearance of conflicts, particularly given the personal animosity between Trump and Comey dating back to the Russia investigation.The Justice Department argues that Comey's social media activity crossed legal lines, but defense attorneys and some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the posts constitute genuine threats worthy of federal prosecution. The case has drawn comparisons to other politically charged prosecutions that have raised questions about the weaponization of federal law enforcement.Blanche's emphatic denial suggests the Justice Department recognizes the political sensitivity surrounding the case. His comments appear designed to insulate the prosecution from claims that it represents an effort to curry favor with Trump or advance his own career prospects.The Comey prosecution will likely face continued scrutiny as it moves through the courts, with observers watching whether Blanche receives the permanent attorney general nomination and how that might affect the case's trajectory.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche denied Wednesday that his decision to indict former FBI Director James Comey was motivated by personal ambition or presidential direction, pushing back against critics who view the prosecution as politically driven.

"This was absolutely, positively not an audition" for the permanent attorney general position, Blanche told reporters. He categorically denied that President Trump directed him to pursue the indictment against Comey.

The denial comes as former Trump lawyer Cobb calls the prosecution "classic revenge" and Republican senators question the strength of the evidence. Blanche's comments represent his most direct response to mounting criticism that the Justice Department has become a vehicle for settling political scores.

Comey faces multiple federal charges stemming from social media posts that prosecutors argue contained coded threats against Trump. The grand jury has hit Comey with a second indictment, escalating the legal pressure on the former law enforcement chief who led the FBI during Trump's first term.

Blanche's position as acting attorney general puts him in the unusual situation of overseeing a high-profile prosecution while potentially being considered for the permanent role. Legal experts have raised concerns about the appearance of conflicts, particularly given the personal animosity between Trump and Comey dating back to the Russia investigation.

The Justice Department argues that Comey's social media activity crossed legal lines, but defense attorneys and some Republican lawmakers have questioned whether the posts constitute genuine threats worthy of federal prosecution. The case has drawn comparisons to other politically charged prosecutions that have raised questions about the weaponization of federal law enforcement.

Blanche's emphatic denial suggests the Justice Department recognizes the political sensitivity surrounding the case. His comments appear designed to insulate the prosecution from claims that it represents an effort to curry favor with Trump or advance his own career prospects.

The Comey prosecution will likely face continued scrutiny as it moves through the courts, with observers watching whether Blanche receives the permanent attorney general nomination and how that might affect the case's trajectory.

Todd Blanche says he wasn't directed by Trump to pursue James Comey indictment, calls it 'absolutely, positively not' an audition for attorney general.

Acting AG Blanche Denies Comey Indictment Was Job Audition for Trump

Federal prosecutors released new photos showing Cole Tomas Allen posing with weapons in his Washington Hilton hotel room just hours before he allegedly attempted to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25.The 31-year-old California man photographed himself at 8:03 PM Eastern time wearing dress clothes and a shoulder holster while armed with a sheathed knife, pliers, wire cutters, and ammunition, according to court documents filed Tuesday. Allen has pleaded not guilty to attempted assassination and other charges that could land him in prison for life.Prosecutors say Allen spent the next 30 minutes checking websites for live coverage of the dinner and confirming Trump's attendance before heading to the ballroom. He discarded a long black coat concealing a pump-action shotgun, then &quot;rushed the screening checkpoint on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton with a raised shotgun,&quot; according to the government memo.The attack forced Secret Service agents to evacuate Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members from the ballroom as gunfire erupted. One Secret Service agent was shot but survived with non-serious wounds. Allen carried a semi-automatic handgun, pump-action shotgun, and three knives when he charged past security, prosecutors allege.Court filings reveal Allen kept detailed notes on his phone during his cross-country trip from California to Washington, including observations about &quot;the southwest desert in spring&quot; and &quot;distant wind turbines looming like snowy mountains across the hazy NM desert.&quot; The notes suggest extensive planning for what prosecutors call a &quot;premeditated, violent, and calculated&quot; attack.The Justice Department argues Allen should remain locked up until trial, as Insider Wire <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/justice-dept-seeks-to-keep-whcd-shooter-detained-push-ballroom-plan">previously reported</a>. &quot;There is no condition or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the safety of other people or the community if the defendant were released from custody,&quot; prosecutors wrote.The case highlights ongoing security challenges for presidential protection at public events. The White House Correspondents' dinner traditionally draws hundreds of journalists, politicians, and celebrities to the Washington Hilton's ballroom each spring. Allen's ability to bring multiple weapons into the hotel raises questions about screening procedures at high-profile events.Allen's defense team has not publicly responded to the new evidence. His trial date has not been set as prosecutors continue building their case with additional witness testimony and forensic evidence from the scene.

Federal prosecutors released new photos showing Cole Tomas Allen posing with weapons in his Washington Hilton hotel room just hours before he allegedly attempted to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 25.

The 31-year-old California man photographed himself at 8:03 PM Eastern time wearing dress clothes and a shoulder holster while armed with a sheathed knife, pliers, wire cutters, and ammunition, according to court documents filed Tuesday. Allen has pleaded not guilty to attempted assassination and other charges that could land him in prison for life.

Prosecutors say Allen spent the next 30 minutes checking websites for live coverage of the dinner and confirming Trump's attendance before heading to the ballroom. He discarded a long black coat concealing a pump-action shotgun, then "rushed the screening checkpoint on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton with a raised shotgun," according to the government memo.

The attack forced Secret Service agents to evacuate Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members from the ballroom as gunfire erupted. One Secret Service agent was shot but survived with non-serious wounds. Allen carried a semi-automatic handgun, pump-action shotgun, and three knives when he charged past security, prosecutors allege.

Court filings reveal Allen kept detailed notes on his phone during his cross-country trip from California to Washington, including observations about "the southwest desert in spring" and "distant wind turbines looming like snowy mountains across the hazy NM desert." The notes suggest extensive planning for what prosecutors call a "premeditated, violent, and calculated" attack.

The Justice Department argues Allen should remain locked up until trial, as Insider Wire previously reported. "There is no condition or combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the safety of other people or the community if the defendant were released from custody," prosecutors wrote.

The case highlights ongoing security challenges for presidential protection at public events. The White House Correspondents' dinner traditionally draws hundreds of journalists, politicians, and celebrities to the Washington Hilton's ballroom each spring. Allen's ability to bring multiple weapons into the hotel raises questions about screening procedures at high-profile events.

Allen's defense team has not publicly responded to the new evidence. His trial date has not been set as prosecutors continue building their case with additional witness testimony and forensic evidence from the scene.

Cole Tomas Allen photographed himself with weapons in hotel room before April 25 assassination attempt on President Trump at Washington Hilton ballroom.

Prosecutors Release Selfies of White House Dinner Shooter Before Attack

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) questioned Wednesday whether the Justice Department has sufficient evidence to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey beyond the social media post that triggered his second indictment. &quot;I hope that they have more than just a picture in the sand,&quot; Tillis told reporters on Capitol Hill.The North Carolina Republican's comments came one day after federal prosecutors <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/doj-hits-comey-with-second-federal-indictment-press-conference-today">hit Comey with a second indictment</a> for allegedly threatening President Trump through a cryptic social media post featuring seashells arranged to spell &quot;86 47&quot; — interpreted as a death threat against the 47th president.Tillis, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed skepticism about building a federal case around social media activity. The senator did not elaborate on what additional evidence he believes prosecutors should present, but his remarks reflect growing Republican concerns about the strength of the government's case.Federal prosecutors allege Comey's beach photo constituted a credible threat against Trump's life. The image showed shells arranged in numbers that investigators say referenced assassinating the president. Comey has denied any threatening intent, calling the interpretation &quot;absurd&quot; through his legal team.The second indictment adds to mounting legal pressure on the former FBI chief, who already faces separate federal charges related to his handling of the Trump-Russia investigation. <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/former-trump-lawyer-cobb-calls-latest-comey-indictment-classic-revenge">Former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb has criticized</a> the latest charges as &quot;classic revenge&quot; prosecution.Tillis's cautious response signals potential Republican resistance to what some view as prosecutorial overreach. The senator has historically supported law enforcement but has also warned against weaponizing the justice system for political purposes.Legal experts remain divided on whether prosecutors can prove criminal intent based solely on social media posts. First Amendment advocates argue the charges could set dangerous precedents for online expression, while Justice Department officials maintain the post crossed clear legal lines.The case will likely test how courts interpret digital-age communications as potential threats against public officials. Comey's next court appearance is scheduled for February 15, where prosecutors must present their full evidence package to federal judges.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) questioned Wednesday whether the Justice Department has sufficient evidence to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey beyond the social media post that triggered his second indictment. "I hope that they have more than just a picture in the sand," Tillis told reporters on Capitol Hill.

The North Carolina Republican's comments came one day after federal prosecutors hit Comey with a second indictment for allegedly threatening President Trump through a cryptic social media post featuring seashells arranged to spell "86 47" — interpreted as a death threat against the 47th president.

Tillis, who sits on the Senate Judiciary Committee, expressed skepticism about building a federal case around social media activity. The senator did not elaborate on what additional evidence he believes prosecutors should present, but his remarks reflect growing Republican concerns about the strength of the government's case.

Federal prosecutors allege Comey's beach photo constituted a credible threat against Trump's life. The image showed shells arranged in numbers that investigators say referenced assassinating the president. Comey has denied any threatening intent, calling the interpretation "absurd" through his legal team.

The second indictment adds to mounting legal pressure on the former FBI chief, who already faces separate federal charges related to his handling of the Trump-Russia investigation. Former Trump lawyer Ty Cobb has criticized the latest charges as "classic revenge" prosecution.

Tillis's cautious response signals potential Republican resistance to what some view as prosecutorial overreach. The senator has historically supported law enforcement but has also warned against weaponizing the justice system for political purposes.

Legal experts remain divided on whether prosecutors can prove criminal intent based solely on social media posts. First Amendment advocates argue the charges could set dangerous precedents for online expression, while Justice Department officials maintain the post crossed clear legal lines.

The case will likely test how courts interpret digital-age communications as potential threats against public officials. Comey's next court appearance is scheduled for February 15, where prosecutors must present their full evidence package to federal judges.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) says Justice Department needs stronger evidence against James Comey than social media post in second indictment case.

GOP Senator Questions Comey Indictment Evidence: 'More Than Picture in Sand'

A federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday for allegedly threatening President Trump's life through a social media post showing seashells arranged to spell &quot;8647&quot; on a North Carolina beach in May 2025.The Justice Department charges Comey &quot;did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States.&quot; The numbers reference &quot;86&quot; — slang for &quot;get rid of&quot; — and &quot;47,&quot; Trump's presidential number. Comey faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.&quot;I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let's go,&quot; Comey said in a Substack video response to <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/grand-jury-hits-comey-with-second-indictment-as-scotus-reviews-immigration-status">his second federal indictment</a>.Comey deleted the post after Republican backlash but claimed he interpreted the shell formation as purely political messaging. &quot;I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence,&quot; he wrote last year. The Trump administration launched an investigation despite his quick removal of the content.This marks Comey's second prosecution under the Trump Justice Department's aggressive pursuit of political opponents. A federal judge dismissed previous charges against Comey in November, ruling the prosecutor was unlawfully appointed. The former FBI chief has remained a vocal Trump critic since his 2017 firing during the Russia investigation.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed questions about proving intent given Comey's apology. &quot;You prove intent with witnesses, with documents, with the defendant himself to the extent … it's appropriate,&quot; Blanche said at Tuesday's press conference. &quot;And that's how we'll prove intent in this case.&quot;The timing proves significant. The indictment comes days after <a href="https://insiderwire.com/news/justice-dept-seeks-to-keep-whcd-shooter-detained-push-ballroom-plan">a gunman breached security</a> at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, allegedly targeting administration officials. Trump survived two previous assassination attempts, and Justice Department officials stressed they take all threats seriously.The &quot;8647&quot; symbol has appeared at anti-Trump protests nationwide, including a &quot;No Kings&quot; demonstration in Louisville where activists held signs bearing the numbers. The prosecution hinges on whether prosecutors can prove Comey intended the seashell arrangement as a violent threat rather than political speech protected by the First Amendment.Comey's legal team will likely challenge the charges on constitutional grounds, arguing the post represents protected political expression. The case tests the boundaries of free speech versus credible threats against a sitting president in an era of heightened political tensions and actual violence against Trump.

A federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on Tuesday for allegedly threatening President Trump's life through a social media post showing seashells arranged to spell "8647" on a North Carolina beach in May 2025.

The Justice Department charges Comey "did knowingly and willfully make a threat to take the life of, and to inflict bodily harm upon, the President of the United States." The numbers reference "86" — slang for "get rid of" — and "47," Trump's presidential number. Comey faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

"I'm still innocent, I'm still not afraid, and I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let's go," Comey said in a Substack video response to his second federal indictment.

Comey deleted the post after Republican backlash but claimed he interpreted the shell formation as purely political messaging. "I didn't realize some folks associate those numbers with violence," he wrote last year. The Trump administration launched an investigation despite his quick removal of the content.

This marks Comey's second prosecution under the Trump Justice Department's aggressive pursuit of political opponents. A federal judge dismissed previous charges against Comey in November, ruling the prosecutor was unlawfully appointed. The former FBI chief has remained a vocal Trump critic since his 2017 firing during the Russia investigation.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed questions about proving intent given Comey's apology. "You prove intent with witnesses, with documents, with the defendant himself to the extent … it's appropriate," Blanche said at Tuesday's press conference. "And that's how we'll prove intent in this case."

The timing proves significant. The indictment comes days after a gunman breached security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, allegedly targeting administration officials. Trump survived two previous assassination attempts, and Justice Department officials stressed they take all threats seriously.

The "8647" symbol has appeared at anti-Trump protests nationwide, including a "No Kings" demonstration in Louisville where activists held signs bearing the numbers. The prosecution hinges on whether prosecutors can prove Comey intended the seashell arrangement as a violent threat rather than political speech protected by the First Amendment.

Comey's legal team will likely challenge the charges on constitutional grounds, arguing the post represents protected political expression. The case tests the boundaries of free speech versus credible threats against a sitting president in an era of heightened political tensions and actual violence against Trump.

Former FBI Director James Comey indicted by grand jury for alleged death threat against Trump through social media post of seashells arranged as '8647' on NC be

Comey Faces 10 Years in Prison Over '8647' Seashell Photo

Former FBI Director James Comey indicted by grand jury for alleged death threat against Trump through social media post of seashells arranged as '8647' on NC beach.