Trump Reveals Suspect Details, Says “It Was A Religious Thing, He Had A Manifesto”

According to a report by NBC News on Sunday, April 26, 2026, The suspect in an apparent assassination attempt targeting US President Donald Trump is not cooperating with investigators, the US Attorney General has said.

Cole Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California, was detained by Secret Service agents on Saturday evening after opening fire within 100 yards of the US president at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

Todd Blanche told NBC News that the alleged shooter “set out to target people who work in the administration, likely including the president” and said the suspect is “not actively cooperating” with authorities.

President Donald Trump, describing the suspect as a “lone wolf whackjob”, said the individual had “a lot of hatred in his heart” and claimed he had prepared a manifesto.

He told Fox News: “It was a religious thing. He had a manifesto, can you believe it? He’s got some big problems with the rest of his life.”

Trump added: “His family knew that he had difficulty… maybe they should have reported him more strongly, but it’s a hard thing to do.”

He is expected to be formally charged in federal court on Monday with using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

Authorities said investigators are continuing to review evidence and the suspect remains in custody as proceedings move forward. Officials have urged caution while the motive is being established and have not confirmed any wider threat to the public.

Law enforcement agencies continue to assess security procedures following the incident, with further updates expected after initial court appearances and completion of the ongoing federal investigation in the coming days ahead soon.