“He hates Christians,” Trump reveals suspect’s Manifesto after shooting

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the suspect in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner left behind writings expressing strong anti-Christian sentiments, as investigators continue to piece together the motive behind the attack.

Speaking during an interview on Fox News, on Sunday, Trump described the alleged gunman as “a very troubled guy,” suggesting that the suspect’s mindset had been a source of concern even within his family.

“When you read his manifesto, he hates Christians, that’s one thing for sure. He hates Christians, a hatred, and I think his sister, or his brother, actually was complaining about it. You know, they were even complaining to law enforcement. So he was, he was a very troubled guy,” the president said.

The president added that authorities had made progress in understanding the suspect’s motives, noting: “Well, they have some pretty good information. He had a lot of hatred in his heart for quite a while. It was a religious thing, it was strongly anti-Christian. And I don’t know if you’ve gotten it, it just got released, the manifesto.”

However, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche struck a more cautious tone, confirming that investigators had obtained writings from the suspect but emphasising that conclusions remained preliminary.

“Well, they have some writings,” Blanche said in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, adding that earlier indications suggested the suspect may have targeted members of the Trump administration.

Sources familiar with the investigation also indicated that the recovered materials contained rhetoric critical of the administration, pointing to a possible political dimension alongside other factors under review.

Trump, meanwhile, praised the response of the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies, crediting them with swiftly neutralising the threat.

“They stopped him cold. And there was no games being played, that I can tell you,” he said, describing the response as “outstanding.”

The president also used the incident to renew pressure on lawmakers amid an ongoing funding dispute affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has faced a partial shutdown since mid-February.

He argued that the actions of security personnel demonstrated the importance of fully funding federal agencies, suggesting the incident could influence ongoing negotiations in Congress.

“I think maybe they’ll loosen up a little bit now because I thought great talent was displayed last night. Bravery but talent,” Trump said.