The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos after a lone gunman opened fire at the annual Washington, D.C, Saturday event.
While the motive remains a question, the suspected shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, according to The New York Times.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other members of the administration were taken from the Washington Hilton’s ballroom as guests scrambled for cover during the shocking incident. Allen had rushed security guards and opened fire, hitting a Secret Service agent. The suspect was then subdued by officers and taken into custody. No guests at the dinner were hurt and the event was later canceled.
Here’s what we know so far about the man police said fired shots at the dinner:
Who is the suspected gunman?
The New York Times, citing multiple law enforcement sources, identified the suspect as Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the assailant had been apprehended and posted a photo of the suspect on the ground at the hotel. Police said Allen was armed with a shotgun, handgun and multiple knives.
“They seem to think he’s a lone wolf, and I feel that too,” Trump said at a press briefing after the event.
The president also posted surveillance footage of the suspect running past the hotel’s security checkpoint. Trump said he did so for “transparency” and to highlight the speed with which agents reacted to the threat.
At the White House press briefing, Trump called the suspect “a sick person” and said investigators were on their way to his apartment.
Police said Allen has no criminal record and was not on the radar for law enforcement in Washington, D.C.
How did he get a gun into the facility?
How the suspect got the gun near the facility remains unclear.
DC Metro Police Chief Jeffery W. Carroll said investigators believe Allen was staying at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was being held.
“We have secured a room here in the hotel, and again, we’ll go through the appropriate procedures to determine what was inside there,” Carroll told the media.
Officers secured the room and investigators believe he acted alone in the incident. Video showed the suspect running toward a security checkpoint when he fired at least one shot. A Secret Service agent was hit and Carroll continued his sprint. He was apprehended off camera, but police say he was not shot. He was stopped before he got to the ballroom where Trump and other cabinet members were in attendance.
Allen and the Secret Service agent who was injured were both taken to the hospital.
What is he being charged with?
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C, said the suspect was being charged with two counts: use of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
Pirro said that the defendant would be arraigned Monday in federal court.
If convicted of both counts, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
What was the suspect’s motive?
The reasoning behind the attack is unknown at this time.
Carroll refused to speculate on a motive and said it was too soon to know who the suspect was targeting.
What was President Trump’s reaction?
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Trump took to Truth Social.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
While the initial plan was to continue the event, it was canceled and is now set to be held at a later date.
“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately. I will be giving a press conference in 30 minutes from the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition. We will be speaking to you in a half an hour. I have spoken with all the representatives in charge of the event, and we will be rescheduling within 30 days. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he later added.
Trump spoke to the press after the shooting when he had safely returned to the White House. The president was asked why he continues to face assassination attempts, and he said he has studied them. Trump has faced two previous assassination attempts.
“When you’re impactful, they go after you. When you’re not impactful, they leave you alone,” Trump said.
“I hate to say I’m honored by that, but we’ve done a lot,” Trump said.
