(US, 27th) – The suspect in the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner shooting on the 25th, Cole Allen, sent a “manifesto” to family members just minutes before the incident, stating that his actions targeted US federal government officials.
Acting US Attorney General Blanche said the motive of the shooter is still under investigation, but “preliminary” findings indicate his targets were government officials, and “very likely” included the president.
US cable news network CNN and other media, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that about 10 minutes before the incident Allen sent an email to his family, calling himself a “friendly federal assassin.” In the “manifesto,” Allen wrote, “Every time I think of what this administration has done, I feel angry.” However, he did not name President Trump directly.
Mocks Security Lapses
Allen stated federal officials “are all targets… ranked in priority from high to low.” He also mocked the security flaws at the Washington Hilton, the venue of the dinner, as “unbelievable.” “I walked in carrying multiple weapons, but not a single person thought I might pose a threat… All the security for this event was focused outside, mainly targeting protesters and day-of arrivals, because clearly no one considered what would happen if someone arrived a day early.”
A White House official said that after Allen's brother received the email, he contacted the police department in New London, Connecticut. The latter confirmed that around 10:49pm on the 25th—more than two hours after the shooting—the police received a call expressing concern about the incident. The police then contacted federal law enforcement and questioned the caller.
Trump: Shooter Hates Christians
US President Trump, in an interview, called the suspect “a sick person,” and said family members had previously raised concerns to law enforcement.
Trump said: “If you read his manifesto, you’ll see he hates Christians.”
Mentioned Pedophiles, Rapists, Traitors
The New York Post reported that in his manifesto, the 31-year-old Allen wrote: “I’m no longer willing to let a pedophile, rapist, and traitor allow his crimes to stain my hands.”
Allen went on to admit that as long as he could achieve his objective, he was willing to kill everyone in the banquet hall.
“If absolutely necessary, in order to achieve my aim, I would still go through most of the people present (because most are willingly here to listen to a pedophile, rapist, and traitor speak, and are thus accomplices). But I really hope not to go that far.”
“All the security for this event is outside, focused on protesters and new arrivals, because obviously no one considered what would happen if someone checked in a day early. The extent of this negligence is simply insane, and I truly hope that once this country has capable leadership again, this issue will be fixed.”
Took Train from Los Angeles to Washington
Acting US Attorney General Blanche stated on the 26th that law enforcement had searched Allen's residence in Torrance, Southern California. He said that Allen purchased two guns over the past few years, took a train from Los Angeles via Chicago to Washington before the incident, checked into the event hotel ahead of time, and is believed to have acted alone. According to US media, FBI personnel also canvassed door-to-door in Allen’s neighborhood that day.
More Charges Expected from Prosecutors
District of Columbia federal prosecutor Janina Pirro said Allen would be formally charged on the 27th, facing two counts of using a firearm in a violent crime, and one count of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon. Prosecutors are expected to file additional charges.