Investigators are examining anti-Trump sentiment as a possible motive for the shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner in Washington DC, where the US president and senior administration officials were present. The acting US attorney general, Todd Blanche, said the suspect was likely targeting members of the administration.
The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint in the Washington Hilton hotel before being subdued by law enforcement. The agent escaped serious injury as the bullet struck his protective vest. Allen is set to be arraigned on Monday on charges including assault of a federal officer and discharging a firearm, with possible additional charges of attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
A manifesto reportedly written by Allen, authenticated by an official familiar with the matter, lists Trump administration officials as top targets, ranked from highest to lowest priority. The New York Post published the document in full, which includes grievances over administration actions, such as US strikes on drug smuggling boats, and refers to a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor' without naming Trump directly.
White House officials said Allen sent writings to his family members about ten minutes before the shooting, detailing his grievances. His brother contacted police in New London, Connecticut, who then notified federal authorities. The suspect referred to himself as the 'Friendly Federal Assassin' in the manifesto.
Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, and cabinet officials were rushed from the venue as the incident unfolded. In an interview, Trump described the attacker as a 'sick person'. The investigation continues.
