The man arrested in connection with the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner had outlined his plans and motives in a manifesto sent shortly before the incident, according to reports.
The shooting occurred on April 25, 2026, at around 8:30 pm (ET) near the Washington Hilton, where US President Donald Trump and other high-profile guests were attending the event. The accused, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, was taken into custody after being stopped at a security checkpoint before he could reach the main venue.
Authorities said the manifesto was shared with family members, who later handed it over to police. The document reportedly detailed his motivations, potential targets, and observations about security arrangements at the venue.
The document also provided insight into Allen’s mindset and personal beliefs. In one section, he described the emotional toll of his actions, writing, “Oh, and if anyone is curious is how doing something like feels: it's awful. I want to throw up; I want to cry for all the things I wanted to do and never will, for all the people whose trust this betrays; I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done.”
He further attempted to justify his actions, stating that he believed in acting against what he described as injustice. “Turning the other cheek is for when you yourself are oppressed... Turning the other cheek when someone else is oppressed is not Christian behaviour; it is complicity in the oppressor's crimes,” he wrote. “I am no longer willing to permit a paedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes,” he added.
Allen is said to have identified government officials as targets and described his planned use of ammunition, claiming he intended to limit unintended casualties. He also criticised security at the hotel, alleging that he was able to enter the premises without being challenged.
Officials said the document reflected his personal grievances and ideological beliefs, which he used to justify his actions. The incident was contained before the suspect could reach the main event area, preventing further harm.