For the third time, an assassin came close to killing President Donald Trump on Saturday night. The suspect, identified as Cole Allen, was apprehended with no serious injuries reported among Trump or bystanders.
In a manifesto, Allen wrote that he was no longer willing to let a “pedophile, rapist, and traitor” “coat [his] hands with his crimes,” directly referencing Trump. Allen had attended a “No Kings” protest in California, according to his social media, and authorities are investigating connections between his actions and heated political rhetoric.
This marks the third known assassination attempt against Trump in recent years. Investigators are examining whether Allen, described as radicalized with left-leaning views, was influenced by repeated public accusations from Democrats and media figures portraying Trump as a dictator, autocrat, Hitler, or direct threat to democracy.
Last night, we saw yet another example of what Democrats’ dangerous and violent rhetoric causes.
— Republicans (@Republicans) April 26, 2026
Here are two straight minutes of Democrats invoking political violence👇 pic.twitter.com/viv9gvIgX5
Allen’s language echoes claims frequently made by prominent Democrats, including links between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes despite limited evidence, and unsubstantiated allegations of child rape promoted by figures such as Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.). The suspect’s attendance at “No Kings” rallies, which depict Trump as seeking royal or dictatorial power, aligns with broader anti-Trump protests.
Democrats and left-leaning commentators have routinely described Trump as an existential danger to the country, cheered protests framing him as a king, and romanticized certain acts of violence. Some online radicals and figures like Hasan Piker have appeared to justify extreme actions “for the greater good.”
Allen’s manifesto reportedly draws parallels to Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, whom some left-wing voices have praised.
Previous incidents show a pattern of disturbed individuals acting on perceived threats: Tyler Robinson shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk over disagreement with his rhetoric.
Nick Roske targeted Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh over fears about Roe v. Wade.
Multiple violent attacks have occurred against ICE facilities and agents under Trump policies.
Since Trump’s 2016 election victory, Democrats have pursued multiple extraordinary measures: the Russia investigation, two impeachments, legal cases viewed by critics as politically motivated, and efforts to remove him from ballots — all while intensifying warnings that he endangers democracy.
The latest attempt raises urgent questions about whether inflammatory language from political leaders and media is contributing to real-world violence by mentally unstable individuals who believe they are acting heroically.