Former President Barack Obama addressed the recent gunfire incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, drawing criticism from conservatives for his remarks about the unclear motives behind the attack.

In a message shared on X on Sunday afternoon, Obama stated, “While we don’t yet have the full details regarding the motives behind last night’s shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, it is crucial for us all to denounce violence as having no place in our democracy.”

He continued by highlighting the bravery of the U.S. Secret Service, saying, “This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the courage and sacrifice demonstrated daily by the U.S. Secret Service agents. I am grateful to them and relieved that the agent who was shot is going to recover.”

However, online commentators were quick to note that the alleged gunman, Cole Allen, had penned a manifesto expressing anti-Trump sentiments and an intent to target officials within the administration.

Former Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized Obama’s response, stating, “There is no ambiguity here. This was a politically motivated attack fueled by anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric. It’s wrong to downplay or obscure the evident motive.”