WHCD Shooting Suspect Identified as 'Friendly Federal Assassin' in Pre-Attack Messages

The man accused of firing shots at Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in messages sent to his family moments before the attack, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities are treating the writings as “some of the clearest evidence yet” of the suspect’s mindset and possible motives.

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. The messages also reportedly contained “repeated” references to President Donald Trump’s administration, though Trump was not named directly.

Investigation Updates from Acting AG

On Sunday, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spoke with Kristen Welker of “Meet the Press”, stating that authorities have no current indication of a co-conspirator.

“We do not have somebody who’s cooperating at the moment, but we do not believe anyone else was involved.”

Blanche added:

“We know that there were some writings, and we’ve already spoken with several witnesses who knew him. And I kept it a little general because we do believe it was administration officials. Obviously President Trump is a member of the administration, the head of it, but as far as exacting threats that may have been communicated beforehand, we’re still actively investigating that evidence.”

Charges and Legal Proceedings

Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and one count of assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon, as confirmed by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.

His arraignment is scheduled for Monday, where additional charges are expected to be announced.