US President Donald Trump has described the suspect accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a black-tie gala in Washington as a “pretty sick guy,” saying the individual had previously been flagged to law enforcement by family members.
Speaking in television interviews on Sunday, Trump said the suspect, identified by an official as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, had authored what he called an “anti-Christian manifesto” and showed signs of significant ideological and behavioural shifts.
“He was a Christian believer, and then he became an anti-Christian… He was probably a pretty sick guy,” Trump said during CBS’s 60 Minutes, adding that family members had alerted authorities prior to the incident.
According to a law enforcement official cited by Reuters, Allen referred to himself in the manifesto as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined intentions to target Trump administration officials, prioritising them by rank while excluding FBI Director Kash Patel. The document reportedly referenced Christian theology, arguing that opposing certain government actions amounted to moral complicity.
The manifesto also criticised security arrangements at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was held, describing perceived vulnerabilities and what it called “arrogance” in security assumptions.
Authorities said Allen travelled by train from Los Angeles to Washington via Chicago before checking into the hotel on Friday. Officials noted that Amtrak passengers are not required to pass through airport-style security screening.
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said Trump and senior administration officials were believed to be the primary targets. He confirmed the suspect allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent before being subdued and arrested. The agent survived after being protected by a ballistic vest.
The suspect is expected to face federal charges including assault on a federal officer, attempted murder, and discharge of a firearm during an attack on federal personnel.
The incident has renewed concerns over political violence in the United States. Security officials and lawmakers have pointed to a series of recent attacks and threats targeting political figures across party lines, raising questions about the adequacy of protection at high-profile public events.
Trump also used the incident to promote his proposed White House ballroom project, arguing it would provide a more secure venue for official gatherings.
Law enforcement agencies, including Amtrak, are assisting in the ongoing investigation. Further federal indictments are expected as authorities continue to examine the suspect’s background, communications, and possible ideological influences.