Justice Department Proposes Gun Rule Changes; Comey Indicted on Threat Charges
The U.S. Justice Department proposed repealing several gun control measures days after an assassination attempt on President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Separately, former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for allegedly threatening Trump in a social media post. The moves come amid ongoing reviews of prior administration policies.
Al Jazeera38 caliber pistol, two knives, four daggers, and ammunition. According to a detention memo filed by the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Allen took a selfie in his hotel room approximately 30 minutes before the incident, displaying weapons and tools.
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The memo states that Allen was tackled by Secret Service officers before entering the ballroom where Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials were present. "Had the defendant achieved his intended outcome, he would have brought about one of the darkest days in American history," the filing reads, as reported by CNBC.
Prosecutors argue the act constituted planned political violence, and Allen faces charges including attempting to assassinate the president, transportation of a firearm in interstate commerce, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. A detention hearing is set for Thursday.
The memo also notes that Allen allegedly sent a note with anti-Trump sentiment to his family. No publicly released evidence has documented the contents of the note beyond the prosecutors' description.
Days after the incident, the U.S. Justice Department proposed 34 new rules to modify gun regulations, following a February 2025 executive order by President Trump directing a review of Biden-era firearm policies. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, at a press conference, stated that the changes aim to reduce unnecessary red tape and clarify language related to Americans' rights.
The proposals include narrowing the definition of who must be a licensed gun seller and rescinding a 2023 rule on pistol braces, which a federal court had previously struck down. ATF Director Robert Cekada said the rules would assist gun sellers in complying with laws without impacting law enforcement.
