Backlash erupts after Jay Inslee’s post on attempted assassination of Donald Trump at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is facing sharp backlash following his social media response to Saturday’s attempted assassination of President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

In a post on X shortly after the shooting, Inslee criticized Trump, referencing the president’s past comments about law enforcement and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The post quickly drew intense reactions online, including one user calling Inslee a “soulless ghoul,” while others criticized his record on policing in Washington.

Authorities said the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California, traveled by train across the country before arriving in Washington, D.C., armed with a shotgun, handgun, and multiple knives. Investigators said Allen ran through a security checkpoint near the event before an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.

A Secret Service agent was struck during the confrontation but was protected by a bulletproof vest. NBC News reported Allen sent messages to family members shortly before the attack, apologizing for what he was about to do.

Allen, described as a part-time teacher, traveled from California through Chicago before arriving in the nation’s capital, where he stayed at the Washington Hilton, the site of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, according to investigators. He is expected to be arraigned on charges including assault on a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence.

WA leaders, representatives respond

Washington state leaders from both parties responded to the incident, condemning the violence and praising law enforcement.

“Thankful for the quick actions of law enforcement keeping everyone safe at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Governor Bob Ferguson wrote on X. “Violence has no place in our democracy.”

Senator Maria Cantwell said she was grateful for first responders and that those involved were safe, while Representative Adam Smith said law enforcement acted swiftly to protect the president, vice president, and other attendees.

Representative Rick Larsen also condemned the attack and said he hopes the injured agent makes a full recovery.

Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez called for an end to political violence.

“Please stop trying to murder the president,” she wrote on social media.

The investigation into the attempted assassination remains ongoing.

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