Former President Barack Obama raised eyebrows and drew no shortage of scorn and derision for a take he posted to social media following the latest attempt against President Trump’s life Saturday night at the White House Correspondents Dinner at a venue in Washington, D.C.
Obama claimed in a post that authorities had not yet established a motive for the incident, which was allegedly carried out by computer scientist Cole Allen, 31, of California, which was untrue at the time of his post.
“Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy,” Obama wrote on X. “It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day.
But in fact, Allen reportedly sent a chilling manifesto to family some 10 minutes before the incident at the WHCD making it clear who his targets were – President Trump and his Cabinet – and why he was upset.Media outlets and social media also began releasing the manifesto before Obama’s remarks.
He wrote, in part:
On to why I did any of this:
I am a citizen of the United States of America.
What my representatives do reflects on me.
And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.
(Well, to be completely honest, I was no longer willing a long time ago, but this is the first real opportunity I’ve had to do something about it.)
While I’m discussing this, I’ll also go over my expected rules of engagement (probably in a terrible format, but I’m not military so too bad.)
Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest…
Later, towards the end of the manifesto, he added: “I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done.”
Allen was armed with multiple weapons, according to law enforcement officials who briefed reporters after the incident.
Officials said Allen allegedly rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives before being stopped by the U.S. Secret Service and other officers.
The annual dinner was underway Saturday night with Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet members, journalists, and other guests in attendance when gunfire erupted near the ballroom entrance.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as attendees took cover under tables while security personnel moved quickly toward the threat. Several guests initially believed the noise was caused by falling dishes before realizing shots had been fired, reports noted.
One federal officer was reportedly struck in a bullet-resistant vest during the confrontation. Officials said the protective gear likely prevented more serious injury, and the officer is expected to recover.
Reports also indicated the suspect may have assembled a “long weapon” in an unsecured area near the entrance before approaching the event. A volunteer working nearby told reporters the man appeared to remove parts from a bag and assemble the weapon shortly before the shooting.
Authorities said Allen was quickly subdued and taken into custody at the scene. He was later transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation before charges were announced.
Federal prosecutors said Allen is expected to face serious charges, including firearm-related offenses and assault on a federal officer.
Trump was safely evacuated from the ballroom by U.S. Secret Service agents along with other senior officials. He later spoke with reporters and praised the rapid response of security personnel. The White House Correspondents’ Association later confirmed that the dinner would be postponed and rescheduled following the shooting.