Cole Thomas Allen, the gunman who attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, reportedly had a specific exception in his plan: FBI Director Kash Patel.
According to a manifesto sent by Allen to his family just before engaging with Secret Service agents at the Washington Hilton, he detailed his intentions to target Donald Trump and top administration officials, but Patel was notably excluded.
Allen’s Manifesto and Targeted Plans
In the sprawling 1,052-word document, Allen referred to himself as the “Cole ‘coldForce’ ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ Allen.” The manifesto outlined his desire to eliminate Trump and his administration, explicitly stating, “Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
It’s unclear why Allen made an exception for Patel, as the FBI director faced significant public scrutiny during the incident. Patel was captured in a video, apparently lingering aimlessly after shots were fired outside the event, and was later seen being escorted out of the Hilton around 10:02 p.m., more than 90 minutes after the shooting.
Patel’s Actions and Subsequent Praise
Patel’s behavior during and after the shooting raised questions about his actions. After the evacuation, he was seen joining President Trump and other officials at a press conference, where he praised Trump’s support for law enforcement. During the briefing, Patel told Trump, “You give them the resources that they need, and you know, they know that you have their back, and that is a changing dynamic in this country.”
Details of the Shooting
The shooting began when Allen, armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives, engaged in gunfire with Secret Service agents. According to interim D.C. Metropolitan Police Department chief Jeff Carroll, Allen attempted to reach the ballroom where Trump was seated. However, his efforts were thwarted by law enforcement, and he was quickly apprehended.
Despite his violent actions, Allen’s manifesto revealed he attempted to minimize casualties, specifying that he would only target Secret Service agents if necessary and would avoid harming law enforcement unless they shot at him. He also made it clear that guests and staff were not intended targets, though he suggested that those who attended the event were “complicit” due to their association with Trump.
Allen’s Background and Radical Views
Allen, who traveled from California to D.C. by train, is a mechanical engineer and computer scientist, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also described himself as an independent game developer and teacher. His sister told authorities that Allen often made radical statements and had frequently mentioned plans to “fix the issues with today’s world.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Allen is facing multiple charges, including one count each of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon. Authorities are continuing to investigate his motivations, particularly why Patel was excluded from his list of targets.
