A suspect in the attempted shooting at a high-profile event attended by Donald Trump reportedly named Kash Patel as the only senior US official not included on his target list, according to details emerging from a manifesto recovered by investigators.

The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington on April 25, 2026, when a gunman identified as Cole Tomas Allen opened fire near a security checkpoint before being subdued by Secret Service agents. No fatalities were reported, though one officer was injured and protected by a bulletproof vest.

Investigators say Allen authored a manifesto outlining his intent to target members of the Trump administration, describing himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin.” The document, sent to family members shortly before the attack, listed several political figures as intended targets but notably excluded Patel, who currently heads the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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Authorities are still trying to determine why Patel was omitted from the list. Reports suggest the attacker claimed he wanted to limit casualties and selectively target individuals tied to his political grievances, though the exact reasoning behind sparing the FBI director remains unclear.

The shooting has raised serious concerns about security at large political gatherings, especially those involving top government officials. Trump and other senior leaders were quickly evacuated from the venue as law enforcement contained the situation, preventing what could have been a far more serious attack.

The case has also reignited debate in the United States over politically motivated violence and the risks posed by individuals radicalised by extremist beliefs. Federal authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s motives, background, and possible influences, with additional charges expected as the probe progresses.

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