DC Gala Shooting Suspect Aired Grievances Against Trump

April 27, 2026 5:14 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner referred to himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” in writings sent to family members minutes before the shooting. That’s according to a message reviewed by The Associated Press. The writings, the official said, were sent shortly before shots were fired at the Washington Hilton, and made repeated references to President Donald Trump without naming him directly. The writings alluded to grievances over a range of administration actions, including U.S. strikes on drug smuggling boats in the eastern Pacific.