An attempted attack on Donald Trump at a black-tie gala in a Washington hotel has raised renewed concerns about political violence and security. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested after opening fire at security personnel during the gala, which was attended by Trump and many other senior officials. A security officer was injured but protected by body armour, and the suspect was quickly detained. In a ‘manifesto’ sent to family members shortly before the attack, Allen cited Christian theology and said he was trying to protect those harmed by the administration's policies. ‘Turning the other cheek when “someone else” is oppressed is not Christian behaviour; it is complicity in the oppressor's crimes’, he said. The manifesto also mocked the ‘insane’ lack of security at the hotel. A recent poll found that Americans believe the increasingly harsh rhetoric surrounding politics is encouraging violence in the country.