Additional Coverage:
Authorities have revealed new details about the suspect involved in the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday. The gunman, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was staying at the Washington Hilton-the very hotel where the event took place and historically known as the site of President Ronald Reagan’s 1981 assassination attempt. Allen was found carrying a handgun, shotgun, and multiple knives, according to officials.
Chaos erupted when the shooter opened fire, prompting the Secret Service to swiftly evacuate President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other dignitaries while guests took cover under tables. Interim Metropolitan Police Chief Jeff Carroll described Allen as a “lone actor” and confirmed he was apprehended and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated there is no indication of any additional suspects or ongoing threat to the public.
The FBI is currently investigating the case further, including conducting a search of Allen’s home in California. Early reports suggest the suspect works as a teacher. Political records also show he made a $25 donation to ActBlue, a Democratic Party fundraising platform, specifically for Kamala Harris, earlier this year.
President Trump addressed the incident during a press conference later that evening, expressing shock but emphasizing resilience. He acknowledged previous assassination attempts against him and praised law enforcement’s rapid response. “I don’t like to let these sick people, these thugs, these horrible, horrible people change the fabric of our lives,” Trump said.
One Secret Service agent was shot in the chest but survived thanks to a bulletproof vest. No other injuries have been reported. Earlier on the day of the shooting, the president posted on social media commending law enforcement and suggesting the event should continue despite the disruption, though he deferred to their judgment on the matter.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the motives and circumstances surrounding this alarming incident.