Donald Trump (AP image)
US President Donald Trump on Sunday described the man who attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as one who ‘hates Christians’ and a ‘sick guy’, as investigators pieced together the motive behind the high-profile security breach in Washington.Speaking after the incident, Trump said the suspect had written a manifesto expressing hostility towards Christians. “The guy is a sick guy,” he said. “When you read his manifesto, he hates Christians.”
He also claimed that members of the suspect’s family had earlier raised concerns with authorities, calling him “a very troubled guy.”Trump also claimed that the suspect’s own family had raised concerns earlier. “His sister or his brother actually was complaining about it… they were even complaining to law enforcement. He was a very troubled guy,” Trump said.
What unfolded at the dinner venue?
The incident took place outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was underway. According to officials, the suspect attempted to breach security screening near the entrance and charged towards the venue.Shots were fired during the confrontation and a Secret Service officer was struck at close range but was saved by a bulletproof vest. Security personnel quickly subdued the suspect, preventing him from entering the ballroom where Trump and other senior officials were present.The situation triggered panic inside the venue, with guests taking cover and the president being rushed to safety. The event was later called off and is expected to be rescheduled.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California.Authorities said Allen attempted to breach security at the Washington Hilton, where the annual media gala was being held. He was armed with multiple weapons and is believed to have acted alone.Trump described him as a ‘lone wolf’ and a ‘very troubled’ individual.Investigators said Allen had travelled across states before arriving in Washington and had checked into the hotel hosting the event. He was allegedly carrying multiple weapons at the time of the incident and is believed to have recently purchased them. Officials also said he is not actively cooperating with the investigation and is expected to face multiple charges.
Trump praises security response
Trump commended the actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement personnel, saying they acted swiftly to neutralise the threat. He described them as ‘strong, solid people’ and said they ‘stopped him cold’.“They stopped him cold and there was no games being played that I can tell you. You just look at them. These were strong, solid people who’ve got to get paid. The Democrats are holding up their pay and I think maybe they’ll loosen up a little bit now,” Trump said.In his remarks, Trump reflected on the dangers associated with political leadership, suggesting that high-impact leaders are more likely to be targeted. “I’ve studied assassinations,” he said.Trump added that ‘the most impactful people… are the ones that they go after,’ referencing figures like Abraham Lincoln.“I’ve studied assassinations… the most impactful people, the people that do the most — they’re the ones that they go after,” he said.He added that being a ‘consequential president’ comes with heightened risk and highlighted that his family had expressed concern following the incident. “They said to me, ‘You have a dangerous job,’” he shared.Authorities are continuing to examine the suspect’s writings, electronic devices and movements to determine the full extent of his intentions. Preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the administration, possibly including the president.
