U.S. President Donald Trump has described the man accused of attempting an attack at a high-profile Washington gala at the weekend as a “pretty sick guy”, saying relatives had previously alerted authorities to his behaviour.
The suspect, identified by officials as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was arrested on Saturday night at the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner was being held.
Speaking to CBS '60 Minutes' programme on Sunday (26 April), Trump said Allen had undergone a significant shift in beliefs and had written what he described as an “anti-Christian” manifesto. He said the suspect had once been religious but later adopted opposing views.
"He was a Christian, believer, and then he became an anti-Christian, and he had a lot of change," said.
According to a law enforcement official, the manifesto was sent to family members shortly before the incident. In it, Allen referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined plans to target administration officials, ranking them by seniority.
The document reportedly criticised security arrangements at the venue and included references to Christian theology.
Authorities said Allen travelled by train from Los Angeles to Washington via Chicago, checking into the hotel on Friday. Rail passengers in the United States are not subject to the same security screening as airline travellers. Rail operator Amtrak said it is assisting investigators.
During the incident, officials said the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint before being subdued. The agent was protected by a vest and did not suffer serious injury. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and cabinet members were escorted from the venue.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen is expected to face federal charges, including assaulting a federal officer, discharging a firearm and attempted murder. Additional charges may follow.
Investigators said Allen was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and several knives. Officials also said weapons had been stored at his parents’ home. His sister told authorities he had a history of making radical statements and had attended an anti-Trump protest.
Trump suggested such protests may contribute to incidents of this kind, but did not provide evidence. He also used the incident to highlight plans for a new White House ballroom, which he said would offer tighter security.
The event has renewed concerns about the safety of senior political figures in the United States. Recent years have seen a number of violent incidents, including the killing of activist Charlie Kirk and the fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in 2025.
A poll conducted after Kirk’s death indicated many Americans believe increasingly hostile political language is contributing to violence.
International leaders condemned Saturday’s attack and expressed relief that no senior officials were harmed. A planned visit to the United States by King Charles III is expected to proceed as scheduled.
Little is known about Allen’s background. Social media profiles suggest he had worked for C2 Education, which said it is cooperating with investigators. Neighbours in Torrance described him as a quiet figure, known only in passing within the community.
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