Investigators Probe Possible Anti-Trump Motive in Attempted Attack at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Investigators are examining whether an “anti-Trump” motive was behind a gunman who attempted an attack at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump and senior administration officials were present.

Officials say the suspect may have been targeting Trump and other high-ranking government figures. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said early findings suggest the suspect intended to attack members of the administration.

The suspect was arrested after attempting to breach security at the hotel venue. He is expected to appear in federal court on charges including assault on a federal officer, firearms offenses, and attempted murder of a federal official. Authorities said additional charges, including attempted assassination of Trump, could be added depending on the investigation.

The suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, is from Torrance, California. Investigators are reviewing a written manifesto attributed to him, first reported by New York Post. The document reportedly listed potential targets, with Trump administration officials at the top.

Officials said that about 10 minutes before the incident, Allen sent a message to family members expressing grievances and anger. His brother later alerted police in New London, Connecticut.

Authorities said the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint before being detained.

At the time of the incident, Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and cabinet members were quickly moved to secure locations. The injured Secret Service agent survived because of a bulletproof vest, Trump said.

The suspect reportedly referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin,” a phrase that matched content in the manifesto. Several US media outlets, citing unnamed officials, said the writings reflected strong anti-Trump sentiment. The Washington Post reported similar messages sent to family members.

In the manifesto, the suspect apologized to acquaintances and explained his motives. He allegedly stated that, except for FBI Director Kash Patel, other administration officials were targets. He also said security personnel, hotel staff, and guests were not intended targets unless necessary.

In an interview on 60 Minutes, Trump described the suspect as a “sick individual” and criticized the airing of manifesto excerpts by journalist Norah O'Donnell as “shameful.”

Trump also said he was not concerned during the incident, stating, “I was not worried. We live in a troubled world.”

Investigators believe Allen traveled from California to Chicago by train before reaching Washington, where he had been staying at the hotel for several days prior to the incident. Federal agents also interviewed his sister, who said he had legally purchased firearms in California and stored them at his parents’ home without their knowledge.