Trump and officials ‘likely’ targets of press dinner shooting suspect, authorities believe

During the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a suspected gunman aimed to breach the event, according to acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was apprehended after firing near a security checkpoint at a Washington D.C. hotel on Saturday. Blanche, addressing NBC News, stated that while the motive remains under scrutiny, initial assessments point to the administration officials as the primary targets.

The attack unfolded at approximately 20:35 local time (00:35 GMT), when gunshots echoed through the foyer of the Washington Hilton. The president, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice-President JD Vance were swiftly evacuated by security personnel. Video footage of Secret Service agents moving Vice-President JD Vance from the scene shortly before Trump’s exit spread rapidly online, sparking questions about the timing of the response.

“I can’t imagine a profession more perilous than this,” Trump remarked during a Saturday briefing, highlighting the danger of the event.

On Sunday, the White House issued a statement asserting that Trump “stands fearless” after surviving what was described as an assassination attempt. The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Weijia Jiang, called the incident “harrowing,” and praised the Secret Service for actions that “protected thousands of guests.” She confirmed the board would convene to assess future steps and share updates.

Manifesto and alleged intentions

Law enforcement sources report that the suspect, Cole Allen, had shared a written document linked to the attack. This text reportedly detailed his intent to target members of the Trump administration, from top to bottom, while guests and hotel staff were not the primary focus. However, the suspect could attack them if necessary to reach the officials. His brother allegedly informed Connecticut police hours after the incident, prompting immediate federal involvement.

“You should be ashamed of yourself reading that, because I’m not any of those things,” Trump said in frustration during a Sunday interview with 60 Minutes, after journalist Norah O’Donnell inquired about the manifesto’s contents, which referenced a “pedophile, rapist, and traitor” without naming specific individuals.

Police confirmed the suspect was carrying two firearms and knives. Though not hit, he was hospitalized for evaluation. The Secret Service’s communications chief, Anthony Guglielmi, noted that the bulletproof vest worn by an officer who was shot “helped us avoid a potential tragedy.” Several BBC reporters present described chaotic scenes following the gunfire, with attendees reacting in alarm.

Trump also shared with Fox News that the suspect had “a lot of hatred in his heart” and that his family was aware of his “difficulties.” He added that the individual had a “manifesto,” suggesting a strong anti-Christian sentiment. As the investigation continues, more details about the suspect’s actions and motivations are expected to emerge.