US President Donald Trump described the suspect accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a black-tie gala on Saturday night as a "pretty sick guy" who had been flagged to law enforcement by his family. Speaking in television interviews on Sunday, Trump said the suspect, identified by officials as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, had posted what Trump termed an "anti-Christian" manifesto.
Manifesto Details
In the manifesto, Allen reportedly called himself the "Friendly Federal Assassin" and outlined plans to target Trump administration officials, prioritizing them from highest to lowest rank but excluding FBI Director Kash Patel, according to a law enforcement official. Allen cited Christian theology, claiming he aimed to protect those harmed by the administration's policies. The manifesto stated, "Turning the other cheek when *someone else* is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor's crimes." The document, sent to family members shortly before the attack, also mocked the "insane" lack of security at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents' Association dinner was held.
Security Concerns
The incident raised fresh questions about the security of top US officials, many of whom were gathered in the hotel's ballroom. Trump used the attention to promote his planned White House ballroom as a safer venue, posting on Truth Social: "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!"
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche revealed on Sunday talk shows that the suspect traveled by Amtrak from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington, checking into the Hilton on Friday. Train passengers in the US are not required to pass through airport-style metal detectors. Amtrak confirmed it is cooperating with the investigation.
Attack and Arrest
Officials said the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint before being tackled and arrested. Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Cabinet officials were rushed out as the incident unfolded. The Secret Service agent escaped serious injury because the bullet struck his protective vest, Trump noted.
Trump, who had previously boycotted the media gala, requested that the dinner be rescheduled within 30 days. White House Correspondents' Association President Weijia Jiang of CBS said the group's board would determine next steps.
Legal Proceedings
The suspect will be charged in federal court on Monday with assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempting to kill a federal officer, Blanche said, adding that he did not know if there was an Iran connection. Further federal indictments are expected later.
Political Violence Context
Saturday's incident highlighted a rising tide of political violence in the United States. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead at a rally last September, following the June 2025 slaying of Democratic Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of a state senator. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after Kirk's murder found Americans believe increasingly harsh political rhetoric encourages violence.
A White House official said law enforcement who interviewed Allen's sister learned he had a tendency to make radical statements, attended an anti-Trump "No Kings" protest, and referred to a plan to "fix issues" with today's world. Trump suggested the protest might have spurred the suspect, telling CBS, "Part of the reason you have people like that is you have people doing No Kings. I'm not a king."
International Reactions
Leaders around the world condemned the attack and expressed relief that Trump and all present were safe. A planned US visit by King Charles of Britain, scheduled to start on Monday, will proceed, Trump and British officials confirmed.
Suspect's Background
Little was immediately known about the alleged shooter's background, but social media posts indicated he worked at C2 Education, a national private test preparation and tutoring service. C2 Education said in a statement it is cooperating with law enforcement.
Washington Interim Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Allen had purchased two handguns and a shotgun, storing them at his parents' home, the White House official said. The suspect lived with his parents in a two-story house on a tree-lined street in Torrance, a seaside town in greater Los Angeles. Neighbors described only casual acquaintance with him and his family.
