Obama Sets Internet Ablaze With ‘Sick’ Reaction To WHCD Attack

Former President Barack Obama is facing backlash after posting a controversial response to the attempted attack on Donald J. Trump during Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C.

In a message shared on X, Obama suggested that authorities had not yet determined a motive behind the shooting attempt—despite emerging evidence at the time pointing to a clear and disturbing intent.

“Although we don’t yet have the details about the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents Dinner, it’s incumbent upon all us to reject the idea that violence has any place in our democracy,” Obama wrote. “It’s also a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice that U.S. Secret Service Agents show every day.”

However, reports indicated that the suspect, 31-year-old California computer scientist Cole Allen, had already distributed a manifesto to family members roughly ten minutes before the attack—laying out both his targets and his motivations. Portions of the document had begun circulating in media and on social platforms prior to Obama’s remarks.

In the manifesto, Allen explicitly outlined his reasoning and intended targets, including President Trump and members of his administration. He wrote, in part:

On to why I did any of this:

I am a citizen of the United States of America.

What my representatives do reflects on me.

And I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.

(Well, to be completely honest, I was no longer willing a long time ago, but this is the first real opportunity I’ve had to do something about it.)

While I’m discussing this, I’ll also go over my expected rules of engagement (probably in a terrible format, but I’m not military so too bad.)

Administration officials (not including Mr. Patel): they are targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest…

Later in the document, Allen added: “I experience rage thinking about everything this administration has done.”

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Allen arrived at the venue heavily armed, carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives. Authorities say he attempted to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held, before being intercepted by U.S. Secret Service agents and other officers.

The annual gathering was underway with President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Cabinet officials, and members of the press in attendance when gunfire erupted near the ballroom entrance.

Witnesses described a frantic and chaotic scene as attendees scrambled for cover. Some initially mistook the noise for falling dishes before realizing shots had been fired. Security personnel responded within seconds, moving decisively to neutralize the threat.

One federal officer was struck during the confrontation, though officials say a bullet-resistant vest likely prevented life-threatening injuries. The officer is expected to make a full recovery.

Additional reports suggest Allen may have assembled a long firearm in an unsecured area near the entrance shortly before launching the attack. A volunteer at the scene told reporters the suspect appeared to remove components from a bag and piece together the weapon moments before approaching the checkpoint.

Authorities confirmed that Allen was subdued quickly and taken into custody. He was later transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation, with federal prosecutors preparing multiple charges, including firearm offenses and assault on a federal officer.

President Trump was safely evacuated by Secret Service agents along with other senior officials. He later praised law enforcement for their swift and professional response. The White House Correspondents’ Association has since announced that the event will be postponed and rescheduled.

Obama’s comments, critics argue, underscore a broader issue—downplaying or mischaracterizing politically motivated violence at a time when clear evidence was already emerging.