Overview
- The suspect, identified by multiple outlets as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, tried to rush a checkpoint at the Washington Hilton during Saturday’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner and a Secret Service officer survived a hit to his vest.
- Federal prosecutors said he faces preliminary counts of using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, with an arraignment set for Monday.
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe he intended to target administration officials, while writings sent to family before the incident apologized and mocked the event’s security.
- Blanche said Allen traveled by train from California through Chicago to Washington, checked in as a hotel guest, and carried a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.
- Agents searched a Torrance residence and his hotel room as officials review security for high-profile events, and the WHCA board will decide on rescheduling after Trump said he hopes to hold a new dinner within 30 days.