The world is in shock as another attempt to assassinate President Donald Trump took place this weekend. However, on social media, some people are now claiming the horrifying event could have been “staged.”
The suspected gunman, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly charged past a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. He was reportedly armed with a shotgun, handgun, and knives, and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before being taken down and arrested.
Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union this weekend, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the suspect intended to attack administration officials at the event, including President Donald Trump, based on a manifesto he left behind. He also praised law enforcement’s response as “a massive security success story.”
Cole Tomas Allen, who lives in the Los Angeles suburb of Torrance, California, was taken to a local hospital afterward. He is expected to be charged in federal court on Monday.
In a press briefing shortly after the attack, Trump described the suspected shooter as a “whack job” and a “lone wolf.”
“My impression is he was a lone wolf whack job. These are crazy people,” Trump said.
Suspect in attempted Donald Trump assassination named Cole Tomas Allen
He continued, “I saw a room that was totally unified. It was, in one way, very beautiful. To see a man charge a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and then be taken down by very brave members of the Secret Service who acted very quickly—it is always shocking when something like this happens.”
Cole Tomas Allen was reportedly staying as a guest at the Washington Hilton, where the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was held.
According to Todd Blanche, the suspect is believed to have “traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, and then from Chicago to Washington, D.C., where he checked into the hotel where the correspondents’ dinner was held in the last day or two.”
While disturbing footage and images from the incident have helped form a clearer picture of what happened, some people online believe it was staged. One person in particular has become the focus of attention, with social media users claiming her words are “proof” it wasn’t real.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sparked speculation after making a joke ahead of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One remark in particular took on a new and unsettling meaning after the shooting.
Speaking with Fox News before the event, Leavitt previewed Donald Trump’s appearance, saying he was “ready to rumble,” promising “classic Donald J. Trump” and an “entertaining” speech.
People are pointing out ‘major proof’ that attempted Trump assassination was staged
However, what she said next fueled a wave of conspiracy theories. Referring to Trump’s speech and expected political jokes, Leavitt said, “There will be some shots fired tonight in the room.” Many online have since interpreted the comment as if she somehow knew what would happen.
One person wrote on X: “It was a planned fake assassination attempt directed by Trump, Karoline was literally saying out loud watch we need you to this so Trump polling goes back up sick monsters.”
A second added: “Tell us more, Karoline. How did you pick the guy? From central casting?”
A third said: “What an odd choice of words. Trump, so thin-skinned, he used another assassination attempt to avoid being roasted. He’s cried ‘wolf’ once too often!”
“Many more charged” against Cole Tomas Allen expected
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., said Cole Thomas Allen will be charged with two counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and a second charge of assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.
She also added that “many more charges” are expected to be filed.
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