John Caleb Allen, a 26-year-old resident of Bristol, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury on ten counts, including two counts of attempted murder of federal officers. The announcement was made by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin stated, “The case exemplifies the incredible danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face as they keep our communities safe from violent offenders like this defendant. Attacks on law enforcement will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law and deserve severe punishment.”
According to evidence presented at trial, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had been investigating Allen for selling illegal machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). On June 3 and June 23, 2025, confidential sources working with ATF purchased firearms and MCDs from Allen. Investigators observed Allen acquiring firearms from a federally licensed dealer after making false statements on required forms.
Based on these findings, ATF obtained a search warrant for Allen’s residence. When agents attempted to execute the warrant at his home, Allen fired approximately 14 shots at them as they tried to enter through the front door. One agent had a bullet pass through his shirtsleeve while another was struck in his body armor; neither officer sustained injuries. Officers did not return fire and were able to have Allen surrender peacefully after several minutes.
During their search of the residence, agents found multiple firearms and an unregistered firearm silencer.
Allen was convicted on charges including transferring machineguns on two occasions in June 2025; making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee; two counts each of attempted murder and forcible assault with a deadly weapon against federal officers; discharging a firearm during crimes of violence; and possessing an unregistered or unmarked silencer.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2026 at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The investigation involved collaboration between ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and addressing violent crime across communities.
Additionally, as part of its Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy in northern Florida—which seeks to reduce gun violence—the U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages residents to lock their vehicles at night since unlocked cars are often targeted for gun thefts that fuel local crime.
For more information about court documents or activities within this jurisdiction visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html or access public records via the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.
