US President Donald Trump has described the suspect accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a black-tie gala on Saturday night as a “pretty sick guy,” saying the individual had been flagged to law enforcement by family members.
In televised interviews on Sunday, Trump said the suspect—identified by an official as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California—had posted what he described as an “anti-Christian” manifesto and showed concerning behavioural changes.
“He was a Christian believer, and then he became an anti-Christian,” Trump told CBS’ 60 Minutes. “He had a lot of change. He was probably a pretty sick guy.”
According to a law enforcement official cited by Reuters, Allen referred to himself in the manifesto as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined plans to target Trump administration officials. The document reportedly ranked officials as potential targets and was shared with members of his family shortly before the incident.
The manifesto also referenced religious themes, claiming the writer was attempting to “protect” people from harm linked to government policies, while also criticising security arrangements at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was held.
Authorities say Allen was arrested after allegedly firing a shotgun at a Secret Service agent during a security checkpoint at the hotel. Officials confirmed the agent was not seriously injured due to protective gear.
The incident led to the evacuation of Trump, the first lady, Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials.
The suspect now faces multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempted murder of a federal officer, with further indictments expected, according to acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Officials said the investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement also examining the suspect’s background and online activity.