'Unbelievable': Trump erupts after hearing federal judge apologized to accused in WHCD attack case
WASHINGTON, DC: A courtroom exchange involving the man accused of targeting President Donald Trump has now ignited fresh political controversy after Trump publicly condemned a federal judge for expressing sympathy toward the defendant over his jail conditions.
Speaking during an interview with Sharyl Attkisson on Sunday, May 10, the president said he was stunned after learning that the suspect, currently facing charges connected to an alleged assassination plot, received an apology from the bench.
Trump expresses 'shock'
The controversy surfaced during Trump’s appearance on 'Full Measure', where journalist Sharyl Attkisson first asked how he and his family had been coping after the latest threat to his safety.
Trump appeared composed as he reflected on the incident.
“Very good,” he said. “It was certainly an unusual night, but I felt protected, and I thought the Secret Service handled it extremely well.”
The conversation then shifted when Attkisson brought up reports from a recent federal court hearing involving Cole Allen, the 31-year-old defendant accused in the case.
She referenced remarks made by Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui, who reportedly expressed concern over Allen’s treatment inside federal custody. Trump’s reaction was immediate.
“When I heard that, I was shocked,” he said. “Then I found out this wasn’t the first time.”
During the interview, Trump indicated that he looked into the judge’s past conduct after hearing about the apology.
“I was told this same judge had done something similar before,” Trump said. “He seemed very sympathetic in another case too.”
He then paused before adding, “Honestly, not even believable.”
Trump did not initially name the earlier case, but he appeared to be referencing a 2023 hearing involving January 6 defendant Taylor Taranto, where Judge Faruqui made headlines after offering unusually personal remarks to the defendant.
At that hearing, the judge reportedly told Taranto, “We as a country have failed you,” while discussing his military service and mental health history.
Judge Faruqui's remarks spark row
The uproar began earlier this week during Allen’s detention hearing, where his attorneys raised concerns about the conditions under which he is being held.
According to his legal team, Allen was first placed on suicide watch after his arrest.
Though that status was later removed, his lawyers argued he remained in highly restrictive confinement, including around-the-clock isolation, a padded holding area and constant artificial lighting.
After hearing those details, Judge Faruqui reportedly questioned why Allen’s conditions appeared more severe than those imposed on other dangerous inmates.
He then addressed the defendant directly. “I’m sorry,” the judge said. “From what I’m hearing, things may not have been handled the way they should have been.”
That exchange quickly spread beyond the courtroom and eventually made its way to Trump.
