‘What the hell is the Secret Service doing’: WHCA shooter’s manifesto reveals he was stunned by the event’s lackluster security

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night turned into a nightmare when a gunman opened fire in the hotel lobby. The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, was tackled by Secret Service agents before he could cause any more harm. The incident has left many people asking how such a security breach could happen at such a high-profile event.

Allen’s manifesto, obtained by the New York Post, reveals that he was shocked by how poor the security was at the event. “Like, this level of incompetence is insane,” he wrote. “And I very sincerely hope it’s corrected by the time this country gets actually competent leadership again.” Allen claimed the security measures in place were deeply inadequate.

According to Allen, the security at the Hilton hotel, where the event was held, was essentially non-existent. “No damn security,” he wrote. “Not in transport. Not in the hotel. Not in the event.” He claimed he could have easily smuggled in a weapon, and that the hotel’s security was entirely focused on protesters outside, rather than on potential threats from inside the building.

The Secret Service’s security failures point to a much deeper and more serious problem

According to Mediaite, Allen was able to make it through a metal detector with his weapon, which raises serious questions about how well the security measures were actually being enforced. Footage also emerged showing that Secret Service rushed JD Vance out of the dinner before Trump, adding another layer of scrutiny to the agency’s response.

This is not the first time the Secret Service has faced this kind of criticism, as in 2024, President Trump was nearly assassinated in Butler, Pennsylvania, during a campaign event, and the agency was heavily criticized for not setting up a proper security perimeter around the stage.

The manifesto was sent to Allen’s family members about 10 minutes before he started shooting. In it, Allen described his motivations for the attack, which he claimed were driven by a desire to stop what he called a “pedophile, rapist, and traitor” from committing further crimes. He also wrote about his frustration with the Secret Service and what he saw as its weak and ineffective security measures.

The incident has sparked debate about the Secret Service and its leadership. According to The Independent, White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has reportedly told administration officials that it is up to the president’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, to decide whether or not to replace Director Sean Curran, who has been facing growing scrutiny.

This suggests the administration is treating the matter seriously and is open to making leadership changes at the agency. In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump was rushed out after shots rang out at the dinner, with details about where exactly it happened drawing widespread attention.

President Trump later praised the Secret Service for their quick response and bravery. However, the fact that Allen was able to pass through a metal detector with his weapon still raises uncomfortable questions about the agency’s procedures and how they are being carried out on the ground.

The questions surrounding Director Sean Curran’s leadership are now becoming harder to ignore. With Wiles reportedly leaving the decision about Curran’s future to the president’s sons, it is clear that the administration is not brushing the incident aside. Whether or not leadership changes follow, the security gaps exposed at the dinner will likely push the agency to review and tighten its protocols going forward.