Former President Barack Obama stated that the motive behind the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner remains unclear, as investigators analyze documents written by suspect Cole Allen, which listed President Trump and administration officials as targets.
In a statement on social media platform X, Obama emphasized that there has been no official conclusion regarding the motive, while calling for the removal of violence from political life and acknowledging the swift response of the U.S. Secret Service. He expressed gratitude to the agents and noted that the injured victim is out of danger, amid Obama's gestures sparking public debate about his current political influence.
Authorities identified 31-year-old Cole Allen from California as directly involved in the shooting at the Washington Hilton hotel, the venue for the event attended by President Trump and many high-ranking officials. Case files reveal several suspicious points about this individual, similar to another shooting suspect previously arrested with a complex background.
According to federal sources, after being arrested, Allen admitted his intent to target administration officials and had prepared a manifesto detailing his plan. The document's contents reflected anti-Trump views and carried anti-religious overtones, contrasting sharply with the efforts of other politicians to mend relations with President Trump. Investigators are reviewing these details as key factors in clarifying the cause of the incident.
However, law enforcement officials have not yet released a final conclusion on the motive, as the investigation continues.
In an interview aired on “60 Minutes,” President Trump reacted sharply when host Norah O’Donnell read excerpts from the suspect's statement. He criticized the broadcasting of such content and asserted that he had no connection to the allegations mentioned, particularly as he faces pressure following the public outcry over a bank closing President Trump's accounts.
