WASHINGTON DC: U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called the man accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a black-tie event on Saturday night a “pretty sick guy,” adding that he had previously been flagged to law enforcement by his family.
In television interviews, Trump said the suspect—identified by an official as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California—had allegedly written what he described as an “anti-Christian manifesto” and had undergone a significant ideological shift.
“He was a Christian believer, and then he became anti-Christian… he was probably a pretty sick guy,” Trump told CBS’s 60 Minutes.
According to a law enforcement official cited by Reuters, Allen referred to himself in the document as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlined intentions to target Trump administration officials in a ranked order, while excluding FBI Director Kash Patel.
The suspect reportedly justified his planned actions by referencing Christian theology and framing them as protection against perceived harm caused by government policies.
The manifesto, which was reportedly sent to members of Allen’s family shortly before the incident, also criticized security arrangements at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was being held. Allen was arrested at the scene.
In excerpts described by officials, the document alleged security lapses at the venue and claimed the author was able to enter with weapons without being detected.
The incident has renewed concerns about security for senior U.S. officials gathered at the event. Trump used the situation to highlight his proposal for a White House ballroom, claiming it would offer stronger security.
“This event would never have happened with the Militarily Top Secret Ballroom currently under construction at the White House,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said Allen traveled by Amtrak from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington, checking into the hotel on Friday. Officials believe Trump and other senior administration figures may have been intended targets. Amtrak said it is cooperating with investigators.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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