Suspect in White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting Sent Anti-Trump Manifesto Before Attack

The man arrested after a shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner allegedly sent an anti-government manifesto to a family member shortly before opening fire, according to investigators.

The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California, was taken into custody alive after shots were fired outside the event venue late Saturday.

Authorities said Allen described himself in the message as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and expressed strong opposition to policies under U.S. President Donald Trump. While the manifesto reportedly criticized the administration, it did not explicitly name Trump.

The document, cited in media reports, suggested the suspect intended to target government officials, though investigators have not confirmed specific motives or targets.

Gunfire erupted outside the ballroom where hundreds of journalists, officials, and public figures had gathered for the annual dinner. Donald Trump, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was swiftly evacuated. No injuries were reported among attendees.

Witnesses said they heard between five and eight shots. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed that a single suspect was detained at the scene, contradicting early reports that the gunman had been killed.

Investigators are reviewing the manifesto and other evidence as they work to determine the motive behind the attack.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about political violence in the United States, particularly surrounding high-profile public events.