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President Donald Trump claimed that there was a moment of political unity at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, including those who he said were "generally hostile" towards him, before a gunman opened fire Saturday (April 25) night.
“Last night they were waving to me and politicians, congressmen, senators, they were waving and saying, great going,” Trump told FOX News’ The Sunday Briefing. “So there was something very nice to tell you. It was, I mentioned it last night in my little discussion. I think, it came together. The place was just coming together. It was very nice to see.”
Cole Allen, the gunman who opened fire, reportedly called himself the "Friendly Federal Assassin" and confirmed his intention to officials within the Trump administration in a manifesto, a U.S. official told the New York Post. Allen's brother in Connecticut reportedly provided the manifesto to police after he was detained by Secret Service agents.
Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn claimed that the shooter attempted to commit a "national tragedy" as the press was focused on the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
"Tonight, a coward attempted to create a national tragedy," Quinn said in a statement shared by the Secret Service. "He underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact. The strength of our layered security posture was evident, with a myriad of countermeasures still ahead. Grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service and our valued Law Enforcement partners."
Allen, a teacher from Torrance, California, was identified by multiple sources as the man accused of rushing a security checkpoint with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives and opening fire just after 8:30 p.m. local time before being subdued at the Washington, D.C., event. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made their grand entrance about 20 minutes prior to gunshots erupting.