Suspect Sent Email and Wrote Alleged Manifesto Before Washington Dinner Attack

Mintesinot Niggusie

A security breach at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington led to the evacuation of President Donald Trump and more than 2,500 guests on Saturday night, after a 31-year-old man allegedly attempted to force entry into the venue armed with multiple weapons, according to CBS News. The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, is accused of approaching a security checkpoint outside the Washington Hilton, where the annual political media dinner was being held, carrying a shotgun, a handgun and knives. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said security forces quickly removed President Trump and other officials from the venue before the event was cancelled.

One Secret Service officer was shot during the incident but survived after a bulletproof vest absorbed the impact. Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Investigators later recovered written materials from Allen’s hotel room in the Washington Hilton and from his home in Torrance, California. Law enforcement sources said Allen had also sent an email to family members shortly before the incident, prompting his brother to alert police in Connecticut.

According to a copy obtained by CBS News, Allen wrote what authorities described as a manifesto in which he said he intended to target Trump administration officials, “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.” He added that law enforcement officers, hotel staff and guests were not his primary targets but could be attacked if necessary to reach officials, writing: “I really hope it doesn’t come to that.” Authorities said the writings showed planning and included references to weapons use. Allen reportedly stated he would use buckshot instead of slugs to reduce wall penetration and limit unintended harm.

In the same writings, Allen described his actions in an informal and at times ironic tone. He wrote, “Hello everybody! So I may have given a lot of people a surprise today,” and apologised to his family and colleagues, referencing a job interview in coded language and suggesting he expected to need medical attention by the time his message was read. He also stated he would avoid targeting specific security personnel, including Secret Service agents and National Guard troops, unless necessary. A Secret Service officer injured during the incident was later released from hospital.

Officials said Allen also addressed anticipated criticism in his writings, responding to hypothetical objections related to his background and faith, and rejecting the idea that he should not carry out the attack. He added that he did not expect forgiveness and said he would have chosen another course if it had allowed him to reach his intended target differently. The annual dinner, which celebrates press freedom and is attended by journalists, politicians and officials, was cancelled immediately after the evacuation. President Trump, who attended the event this year, has since said it will be rescheduled within the next 30 days.