The suspect in the Washington D.C. shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, Cole Allen, allegedly sent a disturbing manifesto to his family shortly before the incident. The document, which has been obtained by law enforcement, provides chilling insights into his motives and plans.
Manifesto Details
Allen reportedly referred to himself as the "Friendly Federal Assassin" and expressed a determination to kill Trump administration officials. According to The Washington Post, the manifesto outlined his weapon choices, stating he would use buckshot instead of slugs "in order to minimize casualties" and reduce penetration through walls. He indicated he was willing to kill everyone present if necessary to reach his targets.
The note, sent approximately 10 minutes before the shooting, listed his targets as "Administration officials (not including [FBI Director Kash] Patel)... prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest." Allen wrote, "I am no longer willing to permit a paedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes," referring to allegations against President Trump, which the President has denied.
Religious and Political Justifications
Allen drew upon his Christian faith in the manifesto, offering "rebuttals" to anticipated criticism. He addressed contentious political issues, including strikes on Venezuelan drug vessels and detention of undocumented migrants. He wrote, "Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed. Turning the other cheek when someone else is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor's crimes."
A family member handed the document to police. Allen's brother contacted the New London, Connecticut police department, and the Secret Service questioned his sister in Rockville, Maryland. Authorities found that Allen frequently made politically extreme remarks and discussed doing "something" to address world problems.
Investigation and Background
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche disclosed that investigators believe Allen traveled from California to Chicago by train, then to Washington, where he booked into the hotel hosting the dinner several days in advance. He attempted to force his way into the ballroom but was overpowered, leading to shots fired and President Trump being rushed from the stage.
Blanche stated, "It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president." Investigators believe Allen obtained the two firearms found on him within the past couple of years. He has declined to cooperate and is expected to face numerous charges.
Video footage shared by Trump appears to show the suspect rushing past security barriers as Secret Service agents converged. One officer was hit on a bullet-resistant vest and is recovering. Blanche confirmed, "He's going to be great, he's going to be fine, and thank God he was wearing a bulletproof vest."
Online profiles linked to Allen portray him as a well-educated tutor and amateur video game developer.
