US President Donald Trump has said that the man accused of attempting to breach security at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner has been "radicalised", citing a manifesto that outlined hostility toward administration officials.
Speaking in an interview with CBS News, Trump described the suspect's writings as evidence of ideological extremism following the Saturday night incident at the Washington Hilton.
"I read a manifesto. He's radicalised. He was a Christian — a believer — and then he became an anti-Christian... He was probably a pretty sick guy," he said.
The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, 31, accused of rushing a Secret Service checkpoint and opening fire.
A law enforcement officer was struck but survived due to a bulletproof vest.
Allen was found carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun and several knives.
Told that Allen had attended a "No Kings" protest, Trump replied: "If I was a king, I wouldn't be dealing with you."
The US president emphasised the professionalism of law enforcement, noting: "They were so professional."
He also described the reaction of First Lady Melania Trump, stating she handled the situation "great" and is "very strong."
Trump added that he wanted the event to continue and hopes to "do it again."
