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U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the individual accused of attempting to attack officials at a black-tie event Saturday night was a “quite unwell person” who had been reported to authorities by family members.
During Sunday TV interviews, Trump called the suspect, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, and mentioned that he had posted an “anti-Christian” manifesto.
“Initially, he claimed to be a Christian believer, but then transitioned to anti-Christian sentiments, and he underwent significant changes,” Trump said on CBS’s “60 Minutes.” “He was likely a very troubled individual.”
In the manifesto, Allen refers to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlines plans to target officials in the Trump administration, prioritizing them from top to bottom, with the exception of FBI Director Kash Patel, according to a law enforcement source. Allen invoked Christian theology, claiming he aimed to defend those harmed by the policies of the current administration.
“Turning the other cheek when someone is oppressed isn’t Christian; it’s being complicit in the oppressor’s crimes,” the manifesto reportedly states, sent to Allen’s family shortly before the attack. The document also ridicules the lack of security at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was held. Allen was captured and arrested at the scene.
He also reportedly remarked that upon walking into the hotel, he immediately noticed the arrogance and was surprised that multiple weapons didn’t seem to be considered a threat by security.
The incident prompted fresh concerns over the security of high-ranking U.S. officials, many of whom were present in the hotel’s large ballroom. Trump utilized the event’s chaos to promote a planned new White House ballroom, emphasizing it would enhance security.
“This wouldn’t have happened if the Top Secret Ballroom at the White House, currently under development, was completed — it can’t be built quickly enough,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
The suspect traveled via Amtrak from Los Angeles to Chicago, then to Washington, checking into the Hilton last Friday, according to acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. Many believe Trump and his administration officials were targeted. Notably, Amtrak trains do not require metal detectors like airports.
Law enforcement is actively cooperating with the investigation.
Authorities reported that the suspect opened fire with a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint in the Washington Hilton, before being subdued and taken into custody.
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members were evacuated during the chaos. The Secret Service agent was protected by a vest and avoided serious injury.
Trump expressed the intention to reschedule the White House Correspondents’ Dinner within a month. The group’s president, Weijia Jiang of CBS, said they would determine future plans.
The suspect faces federal charges early Monday, including assaulting a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempted murder of a federal officer. Blanche indicated there might be no connection to Iran and mentioned additional indictments are forthcoming.
This event adds to the growing pattern of political violence in the U.S., which includes the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a rally last September, the June 2025 murder of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of a Minnesota state senator.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that Americans increasingly believe inflammatory political rhetoric is fueling violence.
A White House source said others who spoke with Allen’s sister described him as prone to radical statements, having attended an anti-Trump protest called “No Kings,” and having referenced plans to “do something” about current global issues. Trump commented that such protests may have influenced the suspect’s actions, suggesting that the protest atmosphere might have played a role.
Global leaders condemned the attack and expressed relief that everyone involved, including Trump, was unharmed. The upcoming visit of King Charles III to the U.S. scheduled for Monday will proceed as planned.
Little detail is available about Allen’s background, though some social media posts suggest he worked at C2 Education, a tutoring service. The company stated it is assisting law enforcement.
Washington’s interim police chief, Jeffery Carroll, said Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. He had purchased the firearms legally and stored them at his parents’ home in Torrance, a suburban district in Los Angeles.
Neighbors, mostly casual acquaintances, described Allen and his family as residents of a typical middle-class neighborhood with historic homes and picket fences. Most said they only exchanged brief greetings and did not know him well.
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