Trump Lashes Out at Questions Over Shooter’s Manifesto
President Donald Trump reacted angrily when asked about the alleged manifesto of White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen, which sharply criticized the Trump administration. The president attacked CBS News for quoting from the manifesto during a 60 Minutes interview that aired on Sunday. “I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would because you're horrible people,” Trump said.
Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, reportedly sent the anti-Trump manifesto to his family moments before the shooting, calling himself the “Friendly Federal Assassin.” Elsewhere in the interview, the president claimed “hate speech” from the Democrats was “very dangerous” and driving political violence in America.
What to Expect as Shooting Investigation Heads into New Week
Investigators are scouring the Washington Hilton hotel and a Southern California home for more details on Cole Tomas Allen. The suspect, a teacher, allegedly traveled from Torrance to Chicago and then to Washington by rail. Once in the capital, he used legally purchased firearms in the alleged attack. Allen is not cooperating with officials, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told Face the Nation on Sunday. The suspect is expected to face weapons and assault charges, with potential additional charges pending. He is set to be arraigned on Monday.
King Charles' Visit to Proceed After Shooting
King Charles and Queen Camilla have privately reached out to President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to express sympathies. Buckingham Palace confirmed the state visit will proceed as planned on Monday, despite the shooting. The four-day trip includes a private meeting with Trump and an address to Congress marking 250 years since US independence.
Conspiracy Theories Flourish After Correspondents' Dinner Shooting
As has become routine after major news events, conspiracy theories spread rapidly online. Some users on Bluesky posted the word “STAGED,” while others on X claimed the shooting was a false flag operation. Right-wing content creator Matt Walsh mocked these theories, stating they lack evidence and intuitive sense.
Classmates Shocked by Allegations
People who knew Allen at Caltech expressed shock. Sheila Murthy described him as “somewhat reserved, quiet, and introverted.” Adrian Costantino added, “He was always nice and kind to people. When I heard about him being involved in this, I was like, holy s***, this is not what I would expect of him.”
