Family members of the man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents Dinner say he had long voiced extremist views and hinted at a plan to do something to fix issues in the world.
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According to The Jerusalem Post, relatives of California resident Cole Tomas Allen had previously contacted police after seeing anti-Trump and anti-Christian posts on his social media accounts, concerns that were later relayed in a CBS News report. Law enforcement identified the 31-year-old as the suspected shooter and took him into custody shortly after the incident in Washington, DC.
Family members interviewed by investigators said Allen frequently made radical statements, referencing a vague plan to do something to fix issues in the world. They also reported that he regularly trained with firearms at a local shooting range and had attended anti-Trump No Kings protests in California.
Relatives told authorities that Allen had shared disturbing writings with them, prompting at least one family member to alert law enforcement about their content. A senior US official told CBS that these writings, some allegedly referencing the targeting of Trump administration officials, are now under review by investigators.
Additional handwritten materials were recovered from Allens hotel room and are being examined by federal agents as they work to determine his motive. Three federal law enforcement officials told CBS the documents form a key part of the ongoing probe into the attempted attack.
US President Donald Trump, believed to have been the intended target, confirmed to Fox News that Allen had left behind a manifesto. He hates Christians. That's one thing for sure, Trump said, adding, So he was a very troubled guy And I think his sister or his brother actually was complaining about it. They were even complaining to law enforcement.
We can't let these criminals and these really bad people change the course of events in our country, the President insisted, expressing hope the Correspondents Dinner can be rescheduled within 30 days. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBCs Meet the Press that Allen will face federal charges on Monday, including assault of a federal officer and discharging a firearm in an attempt to kill a federal officer.
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