U.S. President Donald Trump has described the suspect in the press dinner attack as a “pretty sick guy,” following a violent incident at a high-profile political event in Washington. The case has raised new concerns about security for top American officials.
The remarks came after authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. According to officials, he allegedly targeted administration figures during a gala at the Washington Hilton hotel.
Trump, speaking in media interviews, said the suspect had been flagged earlier by his own family due to alarming behavior. He repeated his strong reaction, calling him a “pretty sick guy” and pointing to reported shifts in his beliefs and mindset.
Investigators said Allen had written a manifesto in which he described himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin.” The document reportedly outlined intentions to target members of the Trump administration, while excluding certain officials.
The manifesto also criticized government policies and framed the planned attack as a response to political grievances. It was reportedly sent to family members shortly before the incident, adding to their concerns about his mental state.
Security at the Washington Hilton has now come under scrutiny after the attack. Reports suggest the suspect was able to enter the venue carrying weapons, raising questions about screening procedures at major political gatherings.
Donald Trump used the incident to highlight security concerns and suggested that stricter measures are needed for official events. He also promoted the idea of improved security infrastructure at the White House for future gatherings.
Officials confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene after firing a shotgun at a Secret Service agent. The agent survived due to protective equipment, and top officials, including the President and Vice President, were safely evacuated.
Authorities said the suspect could face federal charges, including attempted murder of a federal officer and weapons offenses. Investigations are ongoing to determine possible motives and any wider connections.
The incident has added to growing concerns about political violence in the United States, with recent years seeing several high-profile attacks targeting public figures and political events.