Trump shooting suspect allegedly called himself ‘friendly federal assassin’ in manifesto

The suspect was expected to be charged in federal court with assault of a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempting to kill a federal officer. Officials indicated he likely traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago and then to Washington, and while investigators pursued potential links, no Iran connection was identified at the time.

Closed-circuit TV footage showing the suspect running through a security checkpoint was released. Trump described the incident on social media, and officials noted the chaotic scene and the evacuation of the president, the first lady, and other officials. Investigators discussed possible motives and security lapses, including the belief that the suspect intended to target administration officials.

The man fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint in the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, was tackled and arrested, and Trump and first lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the dinner. The suspect’s writings, sent minutes before the shooting, referred to himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and included anti-government and anti-Trump sentiments, with a manifesto discussing targets among administration officials and notes on weapon choices and perceived security failures.

The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, checked into the Washington Hilton hotel on Friday, as investigators noted, signaling the start of his presence in Washington ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.