US President Donald Trump holds a press briefing at the White House, following a shooting incident during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, in Washington, DC, US, on 25th April, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has described the man accused of attempting an attack during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner as a “pretty sick guy,” saying the suspect had previously alarmed family members and was known to law enforcement authorities.
The dramatic incident unfolded on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, where top administration officials, journalists, and invited guests had gathered for the high-profile black-tie gala. Authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, was arrested after allegedly opening fire at a security checkpoint inside the hotel.
Speaking during television interviews on Sunday, Trump said Allen appeared deeply disturbed and had undergone what he described as troubling ideological changes.
“He was a Christian believer, and then he became anti-Christian, and he had a lot of change,” Trump said during an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes. “He was probably a pretty sick guy.”
According to law enforcement officials, Allen had circulated a manifesto shortly before the incident. In the document, he allegedly referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and stated that he intended to target Trump administration officials, ranking them from highest office downward. However, the manifesto reportedly excluded FBI Director Kash Patel from his list of intended targets.
Officials said the suspect used Christian theological references to justify his planned actions, claiming he wanted to defend people harmed by government policies. One excerpt reportedly read: “Turning the other cheek when someone else is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes.”
Investigators said the manifesto was sent to several family members shortly before the attack and also mocked what the suspect described as inadequate security at the venue.
“The one thing I immediately noticed walking into the hotel is the sense of arrogance,” the author reportedly wrote. “I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat.”
FBI and DEA personnel walk at the venue, following a shooting incident during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, in Washington, DC, US, on 25th April, 2026.
Security Breach Raises Alarm
The attempted attack has triggered renewed concerns over the security of senior U.S. officials and public events involving political leaders.
Authorities said Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives when he entered the hotel. Washington Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll confirmed the suspect allegedly fired a shotgun at a United States Secret Service officer stationed at a checkpoint.
The agent survived after the bullet struck a protective vest, according to Trump. Security personnel immediately subdued the suspect, preventing further casualties.
As the incident unfolded, Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several Cabinet members were rushed from the ballroom to secure locations.
The White House Correspondents’ dinner is one of Washington’s most prominent annual events, bringing together political leaders, media executives, entertainers, and journalists. Saturday’s attack attempt marked one of the most serious security incidents ever associated with the gathering.
Trump Promotes White House Ballroom Plan
Following the attack, Trump used the moment to promote his long-discussed proposal for a new ballroom inside the White House complex.
“This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House. It cannot be built fast enough!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump has also requested that the correspondents’ dinner be rescheduled within 30 days. White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Jiang said the group’s board would meet to determine next steps.
Charges Expected in Federal Court
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen would appear in federal court on Monday to face multiple charges, including assaulting a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempted murder of a federal officer.
Blanche said additional federal charges may follow as investigators continue reviewing evidence. He added that authorities were also examining whether there were any foreign links to the attack, including a possible connection to Iran, though no such ties had been established.
Officials said Allen traveled by Amtrak train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then onward to Washington, checking into the Washington Hilton on Friday. Since U.S. rail passengers are not typically subject to airport-style screening, investigators are reviewing how he transported weapons during the journey. Amtrak said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities.
Family and Background Under Scrutiny
A White House official said investigators interviewed Allen’s sister, who reportedly told authorities that he had a history of making radical statements. She also said he had attended an anti-Trump “No Kings” protest and had spoken vaguely of doing “something” to fix what he believed were problems in the world.
Trump suggested the protest movement may have contributed to the suspect’s radicalisation.
“Part of the reason you have people like that is you have people doing No Kings,” Trump said. “I’m not a king.”
Allen reportedly lived with his parents in a residential area of Torrance, a coastal city in the South Bay region of greater Los Angeles. Neighbours described the family as quiet and largely private, saying they knew them only casually through greetings or community interactions such as Halloween celebrations.
Authorities also said Allen had purchased two handguns and a shotgun and stored them at his parents’ home.
Social media accounts linked to Allen suggested he may previously have worked for C2 Education, a private tutoring and college-preparation firm. The company said it is cooperating with investigators.
Renewed Debate Over Political Violence
Saturday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have shaken American politics in recent years. Analysts say increasingly hostile rhetoric, deep political division, and online radicalisation have created an environment where extremist acts are becoming more common.
A Ipsos poll conducted after the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last year found many Americans believe harsh political rhetoric is contributing to a rise in violence. World leaders have since condemned the Washington attack and expressed relief that Trump and other guests were unharmed.
Meanwhile, officials in both Washington and London confirmed that a planned U.S. visit by King Charles III beginning Monday will proceed as scheduled.
As investigations continue, the attempted assault has reignited urgent debate about security protections for public officials and the growing threat of politically motivated violence in the United States.
