The young man accused of opening fire near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner allegedly cited a distorted interpretation of the idea of “turning the other cheek” in a manifesto sent minutes before the attack – an idea historically rooted in non-violence, not retaliation.
The suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, is alleged to have entered the Washington Hilton days before the high-profile event and positioned himself inside the venue.
Authorities say he later approached a security checkpoint on Saturday night armed with a handgun, a shotgun and multiple knives, before opening fire.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect “charged” the checkpoint, prompting an immediate response from the United States Secret Service. Officers returned fire and subdued him within seconds, preventing him from reaching the main ballroom where US President Donald Trump, senior officials and more than 2,000 guests were gathered.
One Secret Service officer was struck during the confrontation but survived due to a bulletproof vest. Witnesses inside the ballroom described hearing loud bangs before security personnel rushed attendees to safety, with many taking cover under tables as the situation unfolded. The venue was quickly locked down and later declared a crime scene.
Investigators say Allen had allegedly sent a detailed manifesto to family members about 10 minutes before the attack, outlining his intended targets, a reportedly senior administration figure, and describing what he called his “rules of engagement”.
According to the New York Post, in the manifesto, he rejected the principle of restraint, arguing that “turning the other cheek” was not appropriate in the face of perceived injustice, and indicated a willingness to cause broader harm if necessary.
Authorities believe the document triggered concern among relatives, with at least one family member contacting police. However, the exact timeline of that alert remains under investigation.
The interpretation cited in the manifesto stands in stark contrast to its historical meaning. Mahatma Gandhi drew deeply on the Biblical Sermon on the Mount, particularly the teaching to “turn the other cheek” as a cornerstone of ahimsa, or non-violent resistance.
Gandhi viewed it not as passive weakness, but as a deliberate and courageous moral strategy aimed at breaking cycles of violence by transforming the oppressor rather than retaliating.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “relieved to learn” that Donald Trump, the First Lady and Vice President were safe, adding that “violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese echoed the sentiment, praising the swift response of law enforcement and expressing relief that no civilians were harmed.
Authorities are now examining how the suspect was able to bring weapons into the hotel, particularly after checking in before the event, raising concerns about internal security vulnerabilities. Officials say the suspect acted alone and remains in custody, with multiple charges expected.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner – one of Washington’s most prominent annual gatherings celebrating journalism and the First Amendment – was disrupted by the incident but is expected to be rescheduled once investigations and security reviews are complete.
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