Authorities have identified the gunman responsible for the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner as 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen. Investigations reveal that Allen sent a disturbing manifesto to his family members shortly before initiating the attack.
In the document, Allen identified himself as the "Friendly Federal Assassin" and explicitly stated his intent to target high-ranking Trump administration officials. He claimed that his actions were a moral response to perceived injustices and systemic oppression.
The manifesto detailed a calculated plan to bypass security measures at the Washington Hilton. Allen expressed deep disdain for the event's security protocols, suggesting that the lack of oversight made the venue vulnerable to even more severe threats.
Allen wrote that he chose to use buckshot rather than slugs to minimize collateral damage, though he maintained that attendees were complicit in the administration's actions. He specifically prioritized his targets based on their rank within the government hierarchy.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Allen had acquired multiple firearms, including handguns and a shotgun, prior to the incident. He had reportedly been training at a shooting range and was associated with a group known as "The Wide Awakes."
The Secret Service has since interviewed members of Allen's family, who noted his history of making radical political statements. His brother alerted local police in Connecticut to the manifesto, providing crucial evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The incident has sparked a national conversation regarding the security of high-profile political events. Experts are currently reviewing how a suspect was able to assemble a weapon inside the hotel without detection.
President Trump and other officials were safely evacuated from the ballroom following the initial reports of gunfire. The president later praised the swift response of security personnel in preventing further casualties during the chaotic event.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine if Allen acted entirely alone or had support from other radicalized individuals. The case remains a developing story as federal agencies process the evidence collected from the scene and the suspect's personal records.