Trump: Suspect in Washington Shooting Motivated by 'Deep Hatred Toward Christians'
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner acted out of a 'deep hatred' toward Christians, citing a manifesto and information gathered by authorities following the incident. The alleged shooter, Cole Allen, sent a detailed 1,052-word document to his family shortly before the attack, identifying members of the Trump administration as his primary targets, except for FBI Director Kash Patel. Allen, 31, described himself as unwilling to tolerate what he referred to as a 'pedophile, rapist, and traitor,' seemingly referencing President Trump, who was present at the event. The suspect meticulously planned the attack to minimize collateral damage, specifying the use of shotgun pellets instead of solid bullets. A Secret Service officer was struck but survived due to a bulletproof vest. Allen criticized the lack of security at the Washington Hilton, where the event was held, claiming he was able to bring multiple weapons into the venue undetected. The suspect remains in custody at a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and is expected to appear in federal court on Monday. Trump emphasized the suspect's 'anti-Christian' motives, while Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche noted the investigation is ongoing and the official motive remains under review. The incident disrupted the gala dinner, prompting emergency protocols to secure Trump, the First Lady, and other officials.