U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday described the man accused of attempting an attack on administration officials at a black-tie gala in Washington as a “pretty sick guy,” amid growing concerns over security in the nation’s capital.
Speaking during televised interviews, including on 60 Minutes, Trump said the suspect—identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California—had previously been reported to law enforcement by family members and had undergone what he termed a dramatic ideological shift.
“He was a Christian believer, and then he became an anti-Christian,” Trump said. “He had a lot of change. He was probably a pretty sick guy.”
According to a law enforcement official, the suspect allegedly sent a manifesto to relatives shortly before the incident. In the document, he reportedly referred to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined plans to target senior Trump administration officials, prioritising them by rank while excluding FBI Director Kash Patel. The manifesto also referenced Christian theology, claiming his actions were intended to defend individuals harmed by government policies.
The suspect is also said to have criticised security arrangements at the Washington Hilton—venue of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner—describing what he called an “insane” lack of screening.
Authorities said the situation escalated when Allen allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a checkpoint inside the hotel. The agent survived after the bullet struck a protective vest, and the suspect was swiftly subdued and arrested.
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials were evacuated as the incident unfolded.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect had travelled by train from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., via Chicago. He is expected to face federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempted murder.
The incident has renewed concerns about political violence in the United States following a string of high-profile attacks in recent years. Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect’s background, including reports that he attended an anti-Trump protest and made prior radical statements.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges likely as authorities review possible security lapses at the high-profile event.
