The suspected shooter at the White House Correspondents' Dinner sent a manifesto critical of President Donald Trump to his family before he allegedly opened fire at the Washington Hilton, according to reports. Authorities identified the shooter as 31-year-old Cole Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California. Allen's brother notified police in New London, Connecticut, after receiving the document.
Manifesto Details
The manifesto, signed 'Cole "coldForce" "Friendly Federal Assassin" Allen,' revealed Allen's intent to kill officials from the Trump administration. 'Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed,' he wrote. He listed grievances including alleged actions by the Trump administration, stating he was not the person raped in a detention camp or a fisherman executed without trial. He argued that inaction when others are oppressed is complicity in the oppressor's crimes.
Targets and Planning
Allen indicated that officials from the Trump administration, except FBI Director Kash Patel, were targets. He referred to the president as a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor.' He outlined his plan to use buckshot to minimize casualties, adding that he would go through most attendees if necessary, as they chose to attend a speech by someone he considered a criminal.
Allen criticized the 'insane' lack of security at the Washington Hilton, noting that Iranian agents could have entered with more lethal weaponry unnoticed. Attendees also criticized the lax security, especially given multiple assassination attempts against the president. Allen observed that only one round of magnetometers was used for entry and that security focused on protesters and arrivals, not those who checked in earlier.
Background
Police stated Allen purchased two handguns and a shotgun at Cap Tactical Firearms, stored them at his parents' home, and practiced at a shooting range. He was reportedly part of the 'Wide Awakes' group and attended a 'No Kings' rally against the president.
