President Donald Trump suggested on Sunday that the gunman who attacked the White House Correspondents’ Dinner may have been motivated by religious hatred, particularly towards Christians. Speaking in an interview on Fox News’s The Sunday Briefing, Trump described the suspect, identified as Cole Thomas Allen, as a “sick guy” who harbored deep hatred for Christians.
Trump’s Comments on Religious Motive
In his interview, Trump stated, “He hates Christians. That’s one thing for sure. He hates Christians, a hatred. He had a lot of hatred in his heart… It was a religious thing.” This remark followed reports that Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California, had been associated with a Christian fellowship at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), according to his LinkedIn profile.
Trump’s statement came after the gunman allegedly charged the Washington Hilton’s security checkpoint, shot a Secret Service officer, and ran toward the main room where Trump and other high-profile guests were gathered. Despite the gunman’s actions, Trump praised the law enforcement response, highlighting the bravery of the Secret Service for their swift action in stopping the suspect.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Investigation
While Trump speculated about the religious motivations behind the attack, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated in a Sunday interview that the investigation is still ongoing. Blanche confirmed that Allen appeared to have targeted Trump and other administration officials during the incident.
He emphasized that further investigation would clarify whether Trump was the primary target or part of a broader plot to target multiple individuals in the administration.
Trump himself acknowledged that he was not directly informed about the tip-off from Allen’s brother, who had allegedly warned the New London Police Department in Connecticut about the suspect’s plan prior to the attack. Trump expressed regret that the tip hadn’t reached him in time, stating, “I wish they would have told us about it a little bit, but it is what it is.”
Trump’s Praise for Law Enforcement’s Action
Despite the chaotic situation, Trump lauded the Secret Service’s response, stating that they displayed “great talent” and “bravery” in halting Allen’s progress. Trump said, “He came in running like he was an NFL running back… and they just stopped him cold.” According to Trump, Allen never came close to breaking through the doors or reaching the ballroom where Trump and other officials were located.
Trump’s Comments on White House Security Enhancements
Trump also used the incident to advocate for the construction of a new ballroom in the White House, claiming it would provide a more secure venue for high-profile events than the Washington Hilton.
The new ballroom, which includes a military bunker, has been under construction for months, though it faces legal challenges. Trump emphasized that military and Secret Service officials had been requesting the facility for years, and he is determined to see it built.
Trump added, “You can’t have a thousand rooms. It is a very big hotel on top of the ballroom. People come down in the elevator and they’re right next to the ballroom.” He further stressed that the incident had proven the urgent need for the new facility.
Background of the Suspect, Cole Thomas Allen
Cole Thomas Allen is a part-time teacher from Torrance, California, who attended Caltech, a prestigious institution known for its mechanical engineering program. Allen graduated from Caltech in 2017 before obtaining a master’s degree in computer science from California State University in 2025.
Trump commented on Allen’s apparent high intelligence, stating, “These assassins, they seem to be high-IQ people, but they’re crazy.” Allen’s social media profiles revealed his involvement in political activism, and his actions at the Washington Hilton have sparked renewed discussions about the increasing political violence in the United States.
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | April 25, 2026, at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner |
| Suspect’s Name | Cole Thomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California |
| Weapons Used | Shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives |
| Targeted Individuals | President Trump and top administration officials |
| Motive | Suspected religious hatred towards Christians, particularly Trump and his officials |
| Law Enforcement Response | Secret Service stopped the suspect, preventing further harm |
| Trump’s Response | Praised Secret Service for swift action and advocated for White House ballroom security |
| Suspect’s Background | Part-time teacher, Caltech graduate, involved in political activism |
| Charges | Cole Allen faces charges of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer |
The attempted attack on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25, 2026, has brought significant attention to the growing political violence in the United States.
Cole Thomas Allen, the 31-year-old gunman, allegedly motivated by religious hatred, targeted President Donald Trump and other top officials but was swiftly stopped by Secret Service agents.
President Trump has used the incident to argue for the construction of a more secure ballroom at the White House, a project that has been under construction but faces legal hurdles.
While the investigation continues into Allen’s motivations and the broader context of his actions, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threats facing political leaders in the current environment of extreme polarization.
