Attorney seeks end to suicide precautions for Trump suspect

The attorney for Cole Tomas Allen, a suspect charged with attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump, has filed a motion seeking his removal from suicide precautions at a Washington jail, arguing the restrictions amount to unconstitutional punishment despite multiple assessments showing no suicide risk.

Federal public defender A.J. Kramer submitted the five-page motion Saturday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia. It describes Allen's conditions in a padded "safe cell" as excessive, including constant lighting, a padded vest resembling a straitjacket, strip searches upon entering or exiting the cell, escorted showers and limited outings only for legal or medical visits. The motion states that Allen cannot retain personal items, access a jail tablet for communication with family or review defense documents, or make phone calls outside his legal team. Kramer argues these measures lack a legitimate purpose, deprive Allen of dignity and hinder his ability to assist in his defense.

An emergency hearing is set for noon Monday before U.S. District Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui, with a representative from the U.S. Department of Corrections expected to appear....