Suspect expresses surprise at lack of security during Washington Hilton event

Cole Tomas Allen, the 31-year-old suspect accused of discharging a firearm during the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Dinner, described himself as a "friendly federal assassin" in writings discovered by authorities.

In a thousand-word document viewed by The Wall Street Journal, the Torrance, California, resident expressed deep-seated anger, writing, "I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done."

Despite his political grievances, Allen admitted that "doing something like this" felt "awful," noting he wanted to "throw up" while acknowledging the family, friends, and church members he would never speak to again.

Allen expressed significant surprise regarding the security measures at the Washington Hilton on Saturday.

He noted a "sense of arrogance" in the lack of perceived oversight, stating, "I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat."

The writings reportedly indicate that Allen was specifically targeting President Donald Trump, who was rushed off stage by Secret Service agents during the chaos.

A part-time teacher at C2 Education, Allen holds degrees from the California Institute of Technology and California State University, Dominguez Hills.

He was taken into custody after injuring a Secret Service agent and now faces charges including assault on federal officers.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the legal proceedings, while Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn branded Allen a "coward" for attempting to create a national tragedy.

President Trump, who remained unhurt, later described the alleged gunman as a "lone wolf" who was quickly neutralised by brave security personnel.