A federal judge has ruled that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro will remain involved in the prosecution of Cole Allen, the suspect accused in the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The decision was issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden in Washington.

Allen faces federal charges including attempted assassination of President Trump, assault on a U.S. officer with a deadly weapon, and illegal possession and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. According to court documents, Allen allegedly entered the event at the Washington Hilton armed with two guns and knives, intending to harm the president and members of his cabinet. He was indicted on May 5.

Defense attorneys for Allen had requested that Blanche and Pirro be removed from the case, arguing that both were conflicted due to their attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on the night of the attack, as well as their personal relationships with President Trump and public statements regarding the incident. The defense contended these factors could impair their impartiality.

In his 18-page opinion, Judge McFadden rejected the defense motion, stating that neither Blanche nor Pirro meet the legal criteria for being considered victims and are not expected to testify at trial. The judge further noted that their public remarks about the investigation and their associations with the president do not constitute sufficient grounds to disqualify them or require screening from the prosecution team.

The ruling maintains the current prosecutorial roles of Blanche and Pirro as the case proceeds. The decision also addresses concerns about potential conflicts of interest raised in high-profile federal cases involving political figures and law enforcement officials closely connected to the administration. Further developments in the case are anticipated as pretrial proceedings continue.