California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump’s response to last month’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, arguing that the president used the incident to target political opponents rather than unify the country, as reported by Fox News.

Federal authorities have charged Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with the April 25 shooting at the Washington, D.C., event. Investigators said Allen traveled by train to the nation’s capital and rushed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while carrying a 12-gauge shotgun.

A Secret Service officer was struck in the chest during the encounter but was protected by a ballistic vest. Authorities said Allen remains in custody as the investigation into his background and motives continues.

BREAKING: DOJ Releases High-Res Footage of Cole Allen Rushing Gun Through Metal Detectors in Trump Assassination Attempt at WHCD

How did he not dıe? pic.twitter.com/riNttbtztX — TaraBull (@TaraBull) April 30, 2026

Newsom made his remarks during an interview with progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen, where he addressed both the shooting and the broader political response that followed.

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"Well, hell of a way to bring the country together as his press secretary was condemning Democrats for their rhetoric," Newsom said.

The governor said that while political violence should be rejected across the board, he believes the president has a responsibility to reduce tensions.

"Violence and rhetoric should be condemned on all sides," Newsom said.

"I’m not going to ‘both sides’ it, but you know what? It goes in both directions. He’s the President of the United States and used it to not only exploit the ballroom but to direct [FCC Chairman] Brendan Carr to continue to suppress free speech."

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Newsom’s comments come as the White House and first lady Melania Trump have publicly called for the removal of ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following remarks made before the shooting.

During a skit ahead of the event, Kimmel joked that the first lady had a “glow like an expectant widow.” After the incident, the Trump administration described the comment as “corrosive” and a “call to violence.”

Newsom defended comedians and criticized the administration’s response.

"They’re going after comedians because comedians are trusted," Newsom said. "They’re attacking free speech."

The governor also criticized Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, referencing recent actions involving ABC-owned stations. Carr has said the moves are tied to a long-standing diversity, equity, and inclusion investigation involving Disney, while Newsom argued the actions were politically motivated.

"This is about structurally and institutionally reducing the fabric of truth, trust, and transparency in the United States," Newsom said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the shooting as the third major assassination attempt against President Trump and called for an end to what she characterized as “hateful and violent rhetoric” from the left.

In a separate statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokesperson Davis Ingle criticized Newsom’s remarks.

"Gavin Newscum is the worst governor in America, and he also may be the dumbest. Anyone who thinks President Trump staged his own assassination attempt is a complete moron."

The investigation into the April 25 shooting remains ongoing as federal authorities continue to review evidence and examine the suspect’s actions leading up to the incident.

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