Gunman Detained After Firing Shots at Hotel Hosting Correspondents' Dinner
A man identified as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is in custody after discharging a firearm at the hotel venue of the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. Authorities indicate Allen's writings suggest a targeted motive aimed at President Donald Trump and administration officials, though specific mentions of Trump were not present in these documents. An injured Secret Service agent was transported to a local hospital. President Donald Trump and his cabinet were evacuated from the ballroom following the incident.
Allen reportedly arrived in Washington D.C. after traveling from Los Angeles. Law enforcement sources stated he checked into the hotel the day before the event. He was employed by a tutoring firm in Torrance. Searches connected to Allen are underway in both Southern California and Washington D.C.
Allen's Communications and Apprehension
Allen sent writings to family members prior to the incident, which prompted one family member to alert the police. These writings, according to officials, displayed an "anti-Trump sentiment" and described his intended targets as administration officials. One law enforcement official described the writings as containing a statement where the suspect referred to himself as a "friendly federal assassin." The U.S. Acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, noted that preliminary information suggests Allen "appears to have targeted President Donald Trump and officials in his administration."
Read More: Shots Fired Near White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump Protected
The suspect, who was not shot, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Allen is scheduled to appear in federal court in D.C. on Monday. He reportedly carried multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and knives.
Events of the Evening
The shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, a prominent event attended by journalists, politicians, and the President. Secret Service agents immediately escorted President Trump and his cabinet from the ballroom. Despite the disruption, Trump expressed a desire to remain at the event, stating, "I fought like hell to stay." He later announced that the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days. Trump later addressed the incident at a White House briefing, mentioning a conversation with the injured officer and commending the Secret Service's response.
