U.S President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the suspect accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a high-profile gala in Washington was a “pretty sick guy” who had previously been flagged by family members to law enforcement.

Speaking in television interviews, Trump said the suspect had undergone significant ideological changes and had posted what he described as an “anti-Christian” manifesto.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

Authorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. He was arrested at the scene after allegedly opening fire at a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was being held.

According to officials, Allen fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent, who avoided serious injury as the bullet struck a protective vest.

Manifesto Reveals Motive

A manifesto attributed to the suspect outlined plans to target senior Trump administration officials. In it, Allen referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and suggested he intended to prioritise targets based on rank, while excluding Kash Patel.

The document, reportedly sent to family members shortly before the attack, criticised government policies and invoked Christian theology to justify violence, claiming silence in the face of oppression amounted to complicity.

Security Lapses Under Scrutiny

The manifesto also mocked what it described as lax security at the venue, noting the suspect was able to enter the hotel with multiple weapons without detection.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of senior U.S. officials attending public events. Trump pointed to the attack as evidence of the need for tighter security, promoting plans for a new White House ballroom as a safer alternative.

Investigation and Charges

Officials said the suspect travelled by train from California to Washington via Chicago and checked into the hotel a day before the attack. He is expected to face federal charges including assault and attempted murder of a federal officer.

Todd Blanche said further indictments could follow, adding that authorities were still investigating potential motives and any wider connections.

Rising Political Violence in Focus

The incident has renewed attention on political violence in the United States, which has seen a series of high-profile attacks in recent years.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted after previous incidents found many Americans believe increasingly heated political rhetoric is contributing to violence.

Trump suggested that recent protests may have influenced the suspect’s actions, though investigations are ongoing.

(with inputs from Reuters)