A gunman identified as Cole Thomas Allen, who opened fire during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, had warned his family of his intentions via a message sent shortly before Saturday evening's event.
According to a report by the New York Post, the message—later handed over to authorities by a relative—contained strong ideological statements, in which Allen described himself as a "friendly federal killer" and expressed his intent to target government officials.
In the text, he attempted to justify his actions by referencing various injustices, while emphasizing that silence in the face of oppression of others constitutes complicity. He listed "government officials" as targets, excluding FBI Director Kash Patel, whom he did not consider part of his list.
Allen also described the planned method of attack, claiming he would use a type of ammunition that, in his view, would limit collateral damage, though he acknowledged it could affect others to achieve his goal.
In his message, he also criticized security measures at the hotel where the event took place, claiming he had entered armed without being noticed and suggesting that lapses in screening could be exploited by other actors.
U.S. authorities were alerted to the manifesto after his brother notified police in New London. Meanwhile, the Secret Service interviewed his sister, who stated that Allen had frequently expressed extreme political views and spoken about the need to intervene to "fix the world."
According to preliminary data, he had been a member of a group called "The Wide Awakes" and is suspected of having participated in protests in California, where he lived and worked as a teacher.