On Sunday, Fox News congressional correspondent Bill Melugin confirmed from his law enforcement sources that Cole Allen, the alleged perpetrator who attempted to breach security at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD), was targeting not just President Donald Trump, but Trump administration officials.
NEW: Per federal law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation to @FoxNews, Cole Allen told investigators after his arrest that his intent was to target Trump administration officials at the WHCD.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 26, 2026
Melugin also posted on X that Allen was no longer cooperating with law enforcement. Fox News further confirmed that Allen had booked a room in the Washington Hilton Hotel on Friday.
NEW: @FoxNews colleague @davidspunt reports that Cole Allen checked into the Washington Hilton hotel on Friday, the day before WHCD, and that while he was initially talking to investigators, he is no longer being cooperative, per two federal law enforcement sources.
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 26, 2026
CBS News has further reported that in that sweep of Allen's hotel room, investigators found writings in the room, which law enforcement is reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
🚨 BREAKING: Investigators found writings in the WHCA suspected shooter's hotel room and are reviewing the written materials as part of the ongoing investigation, law enforcement and White House officials told @CBSNews.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) April 26, 2026
The suspect’s writings clearly stated he wanted to target…
BREAKING: Investigators found writings in the WHCA suspected shooter's hotel room and are reviewing the written materials as part of the ongoing investigation, law enforcement and White House officials told @CBSNews.
The suspect’s writings clearly stated he wanted to target administration officials, the sources say.
But the writings didn't specifically mention the White House Correspondents Association Dinner, I'm told.
Authorities also found anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on his social media accounts.
As RedState reported, Saturday's much-anticipated WHCD featuring President Trump as the keynote speaker was horribly disrupted by a third assassination attempt on the president's life. The alleged perpetrator, Allen, attempted to rush past a Secret Service security checkpoint with the goal of entering the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom. Secret Service acted quickly to apprehend Allen, who shot at a Secret Service agent. That agent was saved by his vest and the training of his peers. Allen was taken down, alive, in the lobby.
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Allen had traveled from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. via Amtrak, armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. Blanche so far believes that Allen acted alone, but the investigation is ongoing.
Just talked with Acting AG Blanche. He tells me the suspect in last night’s shooting traveled cross-country via train to get to DC.
— Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) April 26, 2026
Read More: UPDATED: WHCD Shooter Identified, a 31-Year-Old Teacher From California
This is the third attempt on President Trump's life in less than two years. As Allen's writings may detail, if one cannot get to the president, they will get to an administration official adjacent to the president. Even one degree closer will work to destabilize not just the president, but the entire administration, and ultimately, the nation.
This is the hallmark of a troubled mind, as the ongoing investigation appears to be uncovering.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as warranted.
Editor’s Note: The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law and order agenda.
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