The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in a 1,052-word document he sent to family members about 10 minutes before Saturday’s shooting, the New York Post reported. Other news outlets, such as CBS and the Associated Press, separately confirmed the writings and reported that investigators increasingly believe the attack was politically driven.
The suspect was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, Calif., according to law enforcement officials. He was carrying a shotgun and a handgun.
President Trump told Fox News on Sunday that the writings called for targeting administration officials and that members of Allen’s family had raised concerns about him to Connecticut police ahead of the event. The Post reported the document ranked potential targets in priority order.
Gunshots erupted at the Washington Hilton at about 8:35 p.m. on Saturday, sending Trump and members of his Cabinet to safety.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News’ Meet the Press earlier Sunday that Trump and administration officials were the likely targets. Allen is expected to face federal charges Monday, including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, Blanche said. Additional charges will be filed, he added.
Allen is believed to have been a guest at the hotel where the event was held.
Trump posted images on Truth Social of the alleged assailant handcuffed on the ground after his detention. He praised the Secret Service and said the gunman was not close to breaching the ballroom where Trump was on stage at the time. One officer who was shot was protected by a bulletproof vest and was taken to a hospital.
“My impression is he was a lone wolf whack job. These are crazy people,” Trump said.
Read the latest updates below:
