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A 1,052-word manifesto allegedly sent minutes before the White House correspondents’ dinner attack offers a stark, often disturbing account of the accused gunman’s intent, targets and mindset.
The document, accessed by The New York Post, was reportedly shared by suspect Cole Tomas Allen with family members shortly before the incident. Investigators are now examining it closely as they try to establish motive and planning.
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Who is Cole Tomas Allen?
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California, has been identified by law enforcement officials as the suspect behind the shooting near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, according to IANS and reporting cited by The New York Times.
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Authorities say Allen attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held, but “did not make it inside the large hotel ballroom” where Donald Trump and hundreds of guests were present.
He was armed with multiple weapons and allegedly tried to push past security before being tackled. Officials said he fired several rounds inside the hotel complex, just metres from the ballroom, before being subdued.
Trump described the suspect as “a sick person” and indicated early assessments pointed to a lone actor. “They seemed to think he’s a lone wolf, and I feel that too,” he said, while adding that the investigation was still unfolding.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said multiple charges were being prepared, including those related to firearms possession and the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents were examining “all the ballistics” and collecting witness accounts.
One Secret Service officer was injured after being struck in a bullet-resistant vest, though officials said he is expected to recover. No other injuries have been reported.
10 key lines and takeaways from the manifesto
Here are 10 key lines and takeaways from the manifesto:
1. Sent just before the attack
The note was allegedly sent about 10 minutes before the shooting. It is signed: Cole “coldForce” “Friendly Federal Assassin” Allen.
2. Opens with sweeping apologies
“I don’t expect forgiveness… my sincere apologies,” the manifesto says, addressing family, colleagues and even strangers he may have endangered.
3. Frames motive as civic responsibility
“I am a citizen of the United States of America. What my representatives do reflects on me.”
4. Targets anger at the administration
Without naming Donald Trump, the note says: “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.”
5. Declares ‘rules of engagement’
The suspect writes he will outline “my expected rules of engagement (probably in a terrible format, but I’m not military so too bad.)”
6. Names administration officials as primary targets
“Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
7. Limits targeting of security forces
“Secret Service: they are targets only if necessary,” the note says, adding others like hotel security and Capitol Police are “not targets if at all possible.”
8. Explicitly spares civilians
“Hotel Employees: not targets at all” and “Guests: not targets at all,” the manifesto states.
9. Claims intent to reduce casualties
“In order to minimize casualties I will also be using buckshot rather than slugs,” the suspect writes, adding it would mean “less penetration through walls.”
10. Justifies violence with religious argument
“Turning the other cheek when someone else is oppressed is not Christian behavior; it is complicity in the oppressor’s crimes.”
Claims ‘no damn security’ at venue
In a striking section, the manifesto alleges major lapses at the venue.
“What I got (who knows, maybe they’re pranking me!) is nothing. No damn security. Not in transport. Not in the hotel. Not in the event,” the note says, calling the situation “insane”.
The suspect also claims he walked in with weapons without being stopped, though authorities have not independently confirmed these assertions.
Mix of remorse, anger and defiance
The document shifts repeatedly in tone, combining apology with anger and self-awareness.
“It’s awful. I want to throw up; I want to cry…” the suspect writes, before ending with a jarring line: “Can’t really recommend it! Stay in school, kids.”
Investigators are continuing to verify the contents and context of the manifesto.
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