Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

gab13by13

(32,615 posts)
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:04 PM Wednesday

Why Did The Assassin Choose A Shotgun

I mean I would like to know what kind of shells he had in the shotgun? Did he have double ought buckshot? Punkin balls?

Did he have bird shot like Dick Cheney had when he shot his lawyer friend in the face?

I doubt that we will ever find out the answer to my question, or maybe I missed it?

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Why Did The Assassin Choose A Shotgun (Original Post) gab13by13 Wednesday OP
it was a 12 ga mossburg pump rampartd Wednesday #1
He had a shotgun, knife and handgun TheProle Wednesday #2
He put more effort into writing his manifesto leftstreet Wednesday #3
Per NBC, yes TheProle Wednesday #5
Trump's destruction of government competence is endangering him. viva la Wednesday #4
IIRC, he mentions why in his manifesto Fiendish Thingy Wednesday #6
Because he was bad at assassinating? maxsolomon Wednesday #7
Years ago, a gun-humper co-worker of mine said if he was to go on a shooting rampage, Midnight Writer Wednesday #8

rampartd

(4,875 posts)
1. it was a 12 ga mossburg pump
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:06 PM
Wednesday

his manifesto says he chose buckshot as less danger to innocents than the sslugs.

leftstreet

(41,189 posts)
3. He put more effort into writing his manifesto
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:13 PM
Wednesday

When he refers to his weapons, it's like he copy/pasted AI summaries of how they work

I wonder if he ever fired a gun in his life

TheProle

(4,044 posts)
5. Per NBC, yes
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:19 PM
Wednesday
Allen regularly went to a shooting range to train with his firearms, and was a part of a group called “The Wide Awakes,” the sister said in the interview, according to the official. His sister said he attended a “No Kings” anti-Trump protest in California at some point.


https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/shooting-suspect-white-house-correspondents-dinner-cole-thomas-allen-rcna342146

viva la

(4,632 posts)
4. Trump's destruction of government competence is endangering him.
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:13 PM
Wednesday

He insists on holding court in a hotel (Mar a Lago), golf courses, hotels, rallies. He defies all common sense to serve his own ego needs.

This shooter checked into this hotel, carrying guns and knives, while preparations were going on for this occasion.

Fiendish Thingy

(23,828 posts)
6. IIRC, he mentions why in his manifesto
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:24 PM
Wednesday

Something about reducing the chance of innocent bystanders being hurt, which doesn’t quite make sense to me.

maxsolomon

(39,033 posts)
7. Because he was bad at assassinating?
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 01:31 PM
Wednesday

It was laughably amateurish. No more than an attempt at suicide-by-cop.

Midnight Writer

(25,661 posts)
8. Years ago, a gun-humper co-worker of mine said if he was to go on a shooting rampage,
Wed Apr 29, 2026, 02:00 PM
Wednesday

he would use a pump-action shotgun instead of an assault rifle. He claimed it would not fire as fast, but if you hit someone it would be a sure casualty.

He said most mass shooters are stupid for using semi-auto rifles because the kill/hit ratio is too low.

For what it's worth.

Edit to add: Yes, he is an outspoken MAGA today

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Why Did The Assassin Choo...