Donald Trump (AP Photo)
US President Donald Trump on Sunday described the man who tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner as a “Christian hater” and a “sick man,” as investigators piece together a motive behind a major security breach in Washington.Speaking after the incident, Trump said the suspect wrote a statement expressing hostility toward Christians. He said: “The man is a sick man.” “When you read his statement, he hates Christians.”
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Trump’s first speech after horrific ‘assassination attempt’ at Washington Hilton
He also claimed that family members of the suspect had previously expressed their concerns to authorities, describing him as a “very troubled man.”Trump also claimed that the suspect’s family had raised concerns earlier.
“His sister or brother were actually complaining about it…they were even complaining to law enforcement. He was a very disturbed man,” Trump said.
What happened at the dinner place?
The incident occurred outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place. According to officials, the suspect tried to breach the security check near the entrance and headed towards the place.Shots were fired during the standoff and a Secret Service officer was hit at close range but was saved by a bulletproof vest.
Security personnel quickly subdued the suspect and prevented him from entering the hall where Trump and other senior officials were present.The situation sparked a state of panic inside the venue, as the guests hid and the president was taken to a safe place. The event was later canceled and is expected to be rescheduled.
Who is the suspect?
The suspect has been identified by law enforcement officials as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of California.Authorities said Allen tried to breach security at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the annual media gala is held. He was armed with multiple weapons and is believed to have acted alone.Trump described him as a “lone wolf” and a “deeply disturbed” person.Investigators said Allen traveled interstate before arriving in Washington and checked into the hotel hosting the event. He was allegedly carrying multiple weapons at the time of the incident and is believed to have recently purchased them.
Officials also said he is not actively cooperating with the investigation and is expected to face several charges.
Trump praises the security response
Trump praised the actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement officials, saying they acted quickly to neutralize the threat. He described them as “strong, powerful people” and said they “knocked him out cold”.“They quietly shut him down and there weren’t any games that I could tell you about. You just look at them.
These were powerful, powerful people who should be paid. “The Democrats are holding up their salaries and I think they’re probably going to ease up a little bit now,” Trump said.In his remarks, Trump reflected on the risks associated with political leadership, suggesting that leaders with high influence are more likely to be targeted. “I studied assassinations,” he said.Trump added that “the people who have the most influence… are the people who follow them,” referring to figures such as Abraham Lincoln.“I’ve studied assassinations…the people who have the most influence, the people who do the most work – are the people who go after them,” he said.He added that being an “important boss” comes with increased risks, and stressed that his family expressed concern after the incident. “They told me: ‘You have a dangerous job,’” he said.The authorities continue to examine the suspect’s writings, electronic devices, and movements to determine the extent of his intentions. Preliminary findings suggest he may have been targeting members of the administration, possibly including the president.
