A man accused of attempting to attack senior US officials at a high-profile Washington dinner wrote an anti-Christian manifesto and harbored deep-seated hatred, US President Donald Trump said Sunday, after the suspect was stopped before reaching the main event hall.
The suspect, identified by officials as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, was arrested after opening fire at a security checkpoint inside the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held.
Authorities say Allen fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent, who survived after the bullet struck a protective vest. The suspect was quickly subdued and detained before entering the ballroom, where top US officials — including Trump, Vice President JD Vance and cabinet members — had gathered.
Trump described the attacker as “a sick guy” and said a manifesto sent to family members shortly before the incident revealed hostility toward Christians and broader grievances. Officials said the document outlined potential targets among senior government figures, ranking them by priority.
Investigators also said the suspect mocked what he described as lax security at the venue, claiming he was able to enter with multiple weapons without raising suspicion.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen had traveled across the country by train in the lead-up to the attack and was likely targeting senior political figures. He is expected to face federal charges including assaulting a federal officer, firearms violations and attempted murder. Additional charges may follow.
The incident triggered a chaotic evacuation of the venue, with security personnel rushing Trump and other officials to safety as armed agents swept the building.
The attack comes amid growing concerns over political violence in the United States, following a string of high-profile incidents in recent years targeting politicians and public figures.
World leaders condemned the attempted attack, stressing that political violence has no place in democratic societies.
Despite the incident, a planned visit by Britain’s King Charles is expected to proceed, though officials said security arrangements are under review.