Trump says ‘hate speech’ from Democrats is driving violence in US after shooting

WorldPolitics
28 Apr 2026 • 3:13 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump says ‘hate speech’ from Democrats is driving violence in US after shooting

  • A shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton resulted in one law enforcement officer being injured and President Donald Trump and other officials being evacuated.
  • The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, was apprehended after firing a weapon at a Secret Service agent and was found with multiple firearms, including a shotgun.
  • Allen reportedly sent an anti-Trump manifesto to his family prior to the attack, referring to himself as the “Friendly Federal Assassin” and outlining his intent to target administration officials.
  • President Donald Trump reacted strongly, branding CBS “horrible people” in a 60 Minutes interview for quoting from the manifesto, while also claiming “hate speech” from the Democrats was driving violence in America.
  • Allen is set to be arraigned on Monday, facing federal charges including assault of a federal officer and attempting to kill a federal officer.

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