Authorities believe Trump and officials were probable targets of press dinner shooter
Authorities believe Trump and officials were the likely targets of a suspected gunman who attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC. The suspect, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was arrested after opening fire near a security checkpoint during the event held at the Washington Hilton hotel.
Details of the incident and investigation
The shooting occurred at about 20:35 local time in the foyer of the hotel, where the dinner was taking place in the ballroom on a floor below. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice-President JD Vance were quickly evacuated by security personnel. Video footage showed Secret Service agents rushing Vice-President Vance from the event moments before President Trump was evacuated.
Law enforcement exchanged fire with the alleged attacker, who was carrying two guns and knives. The suspect was not struck but was taken to hospital for evaluation. An officer was also shot and injured but has since been discharged from hospital. The officerās bulletproof vest was credited with preventing a potential tragedy.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News that the suspectās motive is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest he was targeting members of the Trump administration. The FBIās criminal division and terrorism task force are leading the investigation.
Suspectās background and alleged manifesto
Cole Tomas Allen reportedly has a history of anti-Trump social media posts. US media have reported that he described himself as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher on LinkedIn. He is from Torrance, California, where authorities are conducting a search at an address believed to be linked to him.
US media have seen a written document believed to be linked to Allen, described as a manifesto. The document reportedly states that the gunman intended to target members of the Trump administration “from highest-ranking to lowest.” While guests and hotel staff were not the intended targets, the document suggests they would be attacked if necessary to reach the officials. Allenās brother reportedly contacted police in Connecticut after receiving the document, prompting local authorities to notify federal law enforcement.
Charges and legal proceedings
Officials said Allen is expected to be formally charged in federal court with assault of a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Investigators believe he traveled to Washington DC by train, departing from Los Angeles and stopping in Chicago.
Reactions from Trump and others
President Trump praised the Secret Service for their actions during the incident, calling them “great people” and saying everyone owes them a “tremendous debt of gratitude.” Speaking at a briefing shortly after the attack, Trump described the suspect as having “a lot of hatred in his heart” and mentioned that the suspectās family was aware of his difficulties. Trump also noted that the suspect had a manifesto and suggested he was “strongly anti-Christian.”
Trump thanked the press for their “responsible coverage” of the attack and called for peaceful resolution of differences. He also used the incident to advocate for the construction of a new ballroom at the White House, stating that the attack would not have happened with the “Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction.”
The White House issued a statement saying that Trump “stands fearless” after surviving what they described as an assassination attempt when shots were fired during the event.
Responses from officials and international leaders
The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Weijia Jiang, who was seated next to Trump at the dinner, called the attack “harrowing” and thanked the Secret Service for protecting thousands of guests. The association plans to meet and determine how to proceed, with updates to be released later.
Former US President Barack Obama condemned the violence and expressed gratitude to the Secret Service, noting the courage and sacrifice of agents and relief that the injured officer is recovering.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the attack as “shocking” and condemned any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom in the strongest terms.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed relief that those at the scene, including Trump and the First Lady, were safe.