A gunman who opened fire at a security checkpoint during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington likely intended to target President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration, officials said on Sunday.
US Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said preliminary findings suggest the suspect had planned to attack officials linked to the administration, including the president.
“It does appear that he did, in fact, set out to target folks that work in the administration, likely including the president,” Blanche said, adding that investigators are tracing the suspect’s movements across multiple cities before the incident.
The shooting took place at the Washington Hilton, where around 2,600 guests had gathered for the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from California, had travelled from the US West Coast to Washington and was staying at the same hotel hosting the high-profile event, indicating a planned attempt to get close to political leaders.
Police said Allen was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives when he approached the secured area and opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint.
A Secret Service agent confronting the gunman was struck but was protected by a bulletproof vest. Officials said the officer has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering.
Trump, seated on stage with First Lady Melania Trump, was immediately surrounded by security personnel and escorted from the ballroom, along with Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials.
“He charged from 50 yards away, so he was very far away from the room. He was moving. He was really moving,” Trump said later.
The suspect was overpowered by security staff after firing at least one shot and was later taken to hospital for evaluation. Officials said investigators currently believe he acted alone.
