A manifesto sent by the suspected gunman before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting detailed his intention to target the US President and senior administration officials. Cole Tomas Allen, the gunman, emailed family members and a former employer before the attack, attaching a document titled “Apology and Explanation.” In the message, Allen expressed remorse for his actions and outlined a political rationale for targeting government officials.
The manifesto explicitly stated that Allen planned to target top government officials attending the dinner, prioritizing them from highest-ranking to lowest. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized that the document left no doubt about the attempted assassination of the President of the United States. Additionally, the manifesto outlined “rules of engagement,” specifying that Secret Service personnel would be targeted only if necessary.
Despite indicating that other groups were not primary targets, the manifesto acknowledged the potential for broader harm. Allen admitted that he would target most individuals if absolutely necessary, underscoring the magnitude of the threat. Investigators noted that the email containing the manifesto was pre-scheduled to send before the attack, indicating premeditation and an attempt to justify his actions post-incident.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche mentioned that the manifesto is a key part of the ongoing investigation into the suspect’s motive. The FBI is examining electronic devices recovered from the suspect’s hotel room and residence to determine if the manifesto reflects a broader ideological network or if the suspect acted alone. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the investigation spans multiple states, with agents working to understand the suspect’s motivations and planning.
