Episode summary
DC Gala Attack Latest, US-Iran Talks at Stalemate | Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition
Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition
· · 25 min
Summary
Authorities say the suspect in the White House Correspondents Association dinner shooting, 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, referred to himself in writings as a “friendly federal assassin” and had been quietly acquiring weapons for years. Bloomberg reporting said he traveled from California by train, checked into the hotel early, and left behind a manifesto that repeatedly referenced President Trump without naming him. Investigators are still trying to pin down the motive, while prosecutors are expected to bring additional charges as they review his devices, his home search and family reports.
The attack quickly became part of a broader White House argument for building a new ballroom, with President Trump saying the incident showed why the space is needed and could be better secured. The episode also revisited the war with Iran, where oil extended gains as peace talks stalled and the Strait of Hormuz remained highly disrupted. A guest said Tehran’s latest proposal was not a final settlement, only conditions for talks to continue.
Markets were watching the conflict, a packed earnings week for big tech, and a likely unchanged Fed decision. The host and analysts also noted King Charles III’s Washington visit arrives amid strained US-UK ties and heightened security concerns.
Key takeaways
- Authorities say Cole Thomas Allen is due in court after allegedly writing that he was a “friendly federal assassin” and buying guns over a multi-year period.
- Laura Davison said the manifesto reviewed by Bloomberg suggests Allen called Trump a traitor, but investigators still do not have a clear motive.
- The host said President Trump is using the attack to argue for a White House ballroom that could be more tightly secured.
- Joumanna Bercetche said Iran’s proposal was not a solution, only conditions for talks to continue if the US lifts its blockade.
- Michael McKee said the coming Fed meeting is unlikely to change rates, but Powell’s final press conference as chair will be closely watched.
Notable quotes
“referred to himself as a friendly federal assassin in writing sent to family members just minutes before the shooting”
“he has allegedly written this manifesto that that Bloomberg News has seen which you know, calls Trump a traitor”
“In fact, it is just the conditions under which the negotiations with the US can continue”
“the president made the case in an interview with Fox News”
“This will be one of the most widely followed Fed meetings in years, not because the Central Bank is going to do anything”
How the episode opens
Bloomberg audio studios podcasts radio news
Good morning. I'm Nathan Hager. And I'm Karen Moscow.
Here are the stories we're following today. Karen, we will have much more on a busy week for markets and the latest developments on the war with Iran in a moment, but we begin with the very latest on the shooting over the weekend at the White House Correspondents Association dinner. Bloomberg's Alexis Christoforous kicks off our team coverage.
Alexis. The California man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents Association dinner referred to himself as a friendly federal assassin in writing sent to family members just minutes before the shooting. Law enforcement officials say the writings made repeated references to President Trump without naming him directly.
The president spoke on CBS's 60 Minutes where he weighed in on the alleged shooter's manifesto. He's radicalized. He was a Christian believer and then he became an anti-Christian and he had a lot of change.
He's been going through a lot based on what he wrote. His brother complained about him and I think reported him to the police and his sister likewise complained about him. His family was very concerned.
He was uh probably a pretty sick guy. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says investigators are still looking into the alleged shooter's motivation. We believe that he traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago and then Chicago to Washington D.C.
And then we've executed search warrants um on on his devices as well. We've started talking to folks that that know him. 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen is in custody.
He custody. He is set to be arraigned on felony charges later today in New York. Alexis Christoforous, Bloomberg Radio.
All right, Alexis, thank you. Well, according to a law enforcement intelligence profile reviewed by Bloomberg, Cole Thomas Allen spent years quietly acquiring his arsenal.
From the episode’s captions: roughly the first two minutes, lightly cleaned. Keep watching on YouTube →
Topics
- white house correspondents dinner attack
- firearms acquisition
- iran-us talks
- oil prices brent wti
- uk-us relations king charles visit
Companies and tickers mentioned
- Bloomberg L.P.
- Axios
- Turner’s Outdoorsman
- CAP Tactical Firearms
Watch the episode
Summary, takeaways and quote selection by Octagon. Quotes are short excerpts; the full conversation is in the episode.
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