The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner expressed grievances against the Trump administration in writings sent to family shortly before the attack, as investigators point to a likely political motive.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old California resident Cole Tomas Allen, referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and criticised a range of US policies in a message sent minutes before shots were fired at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night.
The writings, reviewed by The Associated Press, are being treated alongside social media posts and interviews with family members as key evidence of his mindset.
Allen is accused of attempting to breach a security checkpoint at the high-profile dinner while carrying multiple firearms and knives.
His brother alerted police in New London, Connecticut, after receiving the message, prompting local authorities to notify federal agencies.
Investigators said Allen had legally purchased weapons in California and stored them at his parents’ home without their knowledge.
The note he sent to family ran more than 1,000 words and mixed apology, personal reflections and political anger, while also criticising hotel security and expressing surprise at being able to enter armed.
Officials believe Allen travelled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington before checking into the hotel hosting the event.
He is believed to have acted alone and is expected to face criminal charges.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect appeared to target members of the administration.
“It does appear that he did in fact set out to target folks who work in the administration, likely including the president,” Blanche told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
The shooting occurred minutes after the gala began, triggering panic inside the venue as security personnel tackled the suspect and shots were fired.
President Donald Trump was escorted from the stage unharmed as guests took cover under tables.
The event was later scrapped for the night amid heavy security presence, with National Guard members deployed and helicopters circling the area.
A preliminary profile of Allen suggests he was highly educated, holding a master’s degree in computer science and previously studying mechanical engineering.
He had also contributed to a Democratic political action committee in 2024, according to campaign finance records.
Trump later called for unity following the incident.
“It’s always shocking when something like this happens. Happened to me, a little bit. And that never changes,” he told reporters at the White House.
