Trump Claims WHCA Dinner Suspect Was 'Radicalized'

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the suspect who allegedly attempted to infiltrate the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) dinner was "radicalized," citing a manifesto that detailed hostility toward government officials.

In an interview with CBS News, Trump described the suspect's writings as clear evidence of ideological extremism following Saturday night’s incident at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

"I read a manifesto. He's radicalized. He was a Christian—a believer—and then he became an anti-Christian," Trump remarked, as reported by Al Jazeera.

U.S. authorities believe the suspect, who allegedly attempted to storm the gala, specifically targeted President Trump and his administration members, according to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Law enforcement officials, after initial examinations of the suspect’s electronic devices and papers, concluded that he planned to attack officials attending the dinner.

The Attorney General noted that the suspect had purchased the two firearms he carried on Saturday night within the last few years. The suspect, who is uncooperative with law enforcement, is expected to face multiple charges on Monday, April 27, 2026. Blanche further stated that investigators believe the individual traveled from California to Washington, D.C., by train via Chicago.

Shots rang out on Saturday night near the ballroom where the dinner was held as Secret Service agents subdued the assailant. The chaos unfolded while Trump, high-ranking officials, and hundreds of journalists were in attendance.

Suspect's Profile

While investigators have not publicly named the suspect, several U.S. media outlets have identified him as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Allen, who had checked into the hotel a day prior, was found in possession of an arsenal including a rifle, a pistol, and several knives.

Trump told Fox News that the suspect’s family had expressed concerns to local police regarding his behavior before the event. The President also informed the network that the accused had written anti-Christian declarations.

Social media posts seemingly linked to the suspect suggest he was an educated tutor and amateur video game developer holding degrees in computer science and mechanical engineering. A video shared by Trump shows the suspect charging past security barricades as Secret Service agents move to intercept him.

A police officer wearing a bulletproof vest was shot during the struggle but is currently recovering. The shooter was apprehended unharmed and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Outside the hotel, National Guard members and local authorities flooded the streets as helicopters patrolled overhead.

Trump Denies Pedophilia Accusations

In an interview with CBS News, as reported by Anadolu, Trump denied accusations contained in a manifesto allegedly authored by Allen. During the segment, a passage was read in which Allen outlined his motives, writing: "Administration officials, they are targets...I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes."

When asked for a reaction, Trump berated CBS News and dismissed the manifesto's claims as fabrications.

"Well, I was waiting for you to read that because I knew you would. Because you're horrible people. Horrible people. Yeah, he did write that. I'm not a rapist. I didn't rape anybody. I'm not a pedophile. You read that crap from some sick person," he said.

Trump continued to scold the interviewer for incorporating the quote into the discussion. "You should be ashamed of yourself, reading that — because I'm not any of those things," he added.

Trump was also informed that Allen had participated in the "No Kings" protest in California. "No King, yeah. If I was a king, I wouldn't be dealing with you."

The Ballroom Project

Trump used the incident to renew his push for the construction of a massive dance hall adjacent to the White House. The proposal has faced significant legal hurdles and is opposed by a majority of Americans, according to recent polling.

"What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and, for different reasons, every President for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE," Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday.

The $400 million project has been a hallmark ambition for Trump during his second term. Despite what he perceives as the third attempt on his life in less than two years, the President showed a degree of restraint, calling for national unity and the healing of partisan divides.

Read: Gunman in Trump Dinner Shooting Leaves Manifesto Targeting Officials

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