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Timeline: Manifesto sent minutes before Trump WHCD shooting and related events
During the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton, a 31-year-old man from California carried multiple weapons and was stopped at a security checkpoint before reaching the ballroom. About ten minutes before he opened fire, he sent an anti-Trump manifesto to family; relatives later handed it to police, and investigators interviewed a sister as they pursue leads from reporting relatives.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores potential security gaps at high-profile political events and reveals a premeditated political violence scenario that prompted police and federal investigations.
Timeline
6 Events
Secret Service interviews Allen's sister in Maryland
April 25, 2026
The Secret Service interviewed Allen's sister, who lives in Rockville, Maryland. She reportedly told agents that Allen had a history of politically radical remarks and had spoken of wanting to do something to address what he saw as the world's problems.
Allen's brother reports document to New London police
April 25, 2026
Allen's brother contacted the New London, Connecticut police department after receiving the manifesto document, triggering further police attention to the case.
Manifesto handed to police by a relative
April 25, 2026
The manifesto was handed to police by a relative after it circulated within the investigation, according to reporting based on official briefings.
Shooting occurs outside the Washington Hilton; suspect in custody
April 25, 2026
Allen opened fire outside the Washington Hilton during the dinner and was subsequently detained and placed in custody.
Manifesto sent to family about ten minutes before firing
April 25, 2026
About ten minutes before he opened fire, Allen sent an anti-Trump manifesto to members of his family. The document was later handed to police by a relative and signed with the name Cole 'coldForce' 'Friendly Federal Assassin' Allen. It described targets among Trump administration officials, excluding FBI Director Kash Patel, and stated he would use buckshot to minimize casualties while acknowledging he could harm others if necessary.
Security checkpoint stop before entering the Washington Hilton ballroom
April 25, 2026
Cole Thomas Allen arrived at the Washington Hilton with multiple weapons and was stopped at a security checkpoint before he could reach the ballroom where President Trump and other guests were seated during the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.