President Donald Trump asserted Sunday that the shooting at the White House Correspondents Association dinner was fueled by a “religious thing,” specifically anti-Christian animus, even as federal investigators continue to probe the suspect’s background for a clearer motive.
Speaking on Fox News’s “The Sunday Briefing,” Trump described the alleged gunman, Cole Allen, 31, as someone who “had a lot of hatred in his heart for quite a while.” The president added, “It was a religious thing. It was strongly anti, anti-Christian.”
Authorities have not yet released an official motive for the attack, which unfolded at the annual gala honoring journalists and WHCA members. Allen, who traveled from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., is accused of firing shots at the event, prompting an evacuation and a swift law enforcement response. According to CBS News, writings Allen sent to his family on Saturday indicated he intended to target administration officials.
The suspect’s social media history reveals he was once part of a Christian fellowship group and attended a “No Kings” protest earlier this year. Campaign finance records show Allen donated $25 to a Democratic Party PAC supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid, as reported by The Associated Press.
Trump, who was evacuated from the dinner along with other attendees, called the situation “very, very bad.” He noted Allen’s personal struggles but reiterated the religious dimension of the attack. The president has previously used the incident to call for a new White House ballroom, a proposal that has drawn mixed reactions.
Allen faces two federal charges: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. He is expected to be arraigned Monday. Reports indicate Allen has refused to cooperate with FBI investigators, complicating the inquiry.
The shooting has sparked widespread political reactions, with lawmakers from both parties condemning the violence. Representative Jamie Raskin was credited by Kerry Kennedy for protecting her during the chaos, as detailed in firsthand accounts of the evacuation.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident has reignited debates about security at high-profile political events and the broader climate of political polarization. The WHCA has praised the media’s resilience, while Trump has highlighted the need for enhanced protective measures.
