White House dinner shooting: Suspect Cole Allen says he intended to target Trump administration officials

Senior federal law enforcement sources confirmed to Fox News that Allen made the statement following his detention. Officials also said he had prepared a manifesto outlining his intentions and had posted anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on social media.

The White House stated on Sunday that Allen’s brother had contacted the New London Police Department in Connecticut prior to the incident, reporting that Allen had sent family members an alleged manifesto in which he detailed plans to target administration officials, Fox News reported.

Authorities further said Allen’s social media activity reflected extremist views, including anti-Trump and anti-Christian sentiments. Speaking on Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing, President Donald Trump described Allen as “a very troubled guy,” referencing the contents of the alleged manifesto.

Shooting outside White House Correspondents’ Dinner

The incident occurred outside the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., where approximately 2,500 guests were in attendance at the Washington Hilton, including President Donald Trump and the First Lady.

According to investigators, the 31-year-old suspect attempted to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the ballroom but was stopped by security personnel. Authorities said he then tried to force his way through, prompting an armed confrontation with officers.

Law enforcement officials reported that Allen was carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. During the ensuing confrontation, gunfire was exchanged, and a U.S. Secret Service officer was struck. Officials confirmed that the officer survived due to a bulletproof vest and is currently in stable condition.

The suspect was not injured during the incident. He was taken into custody at the scene and later transported to a hospital for evaluation. Officials said he is believed to have acted alone, and the investigation into his motive is ongoing.

Preliminary online records suggest Allen is based in California and has a background in mechanical engineering and computer science. He is reportedly associated with the California Institute of Technology and has previously worked in engineering roles, teaching, and game development.