President Donald Trump said Sunday that the suspect in the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner expressed strong anti-Christian views in a manifesto written before the attack.

Authorities identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. Law enforcement said Allen breached a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night and exchanged gunfire with officers before being taken into custody.

According to officials, Allen sent a message to family members shortly before the incident, apologizing for his actions and outlining grievances. A senior administration official said the writings included criticism of the Trump administration and references to security at the venue.

Trump, speaking in an interview, said the manifesto indicated a broader ideological motive. “The guy is a sick guy when you read his manifesto. He hates Christians,” Trump said, adding that investigators have gathered “pretty good information” about the suspect’s background and intent.

The president also noted that family members had previously raised concerns with law enforcement. Officials said the suspect’s brother contacted police in Connecticut after receiving the message, while his sister later told authorities he had made radical statements and discussed plans to take action.

Despite those warnings, the attack unfolded Saturday evening, prompting a rapid response from the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement, who contained the threat before the suspect could enter the main event space.

Trump praised the response by federal and local authorities, saying they acted quickly and effectively to prevent further harm. He also acknowledged the difficulty families face in reporting concerning behavior, but suggested that earlier intervention may have helped.

Investigators continue to review the suspect’s writings, communications, and background as they work to determine the full scope of his motives and whether additional warning signs were missed before the incident.