Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old resident of Torrance, California, has been identified as the suspect in Saturday's shooting incident outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Law enforcement sources confirm Allen traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago before arriving in Washington, D.C. Preliminary investigations suggest a possible targeting of administration officials, including President Donald Trump.
Officials are reviewing writings recovered from Allen's residence and hotel room as they work to establish a definitive motive.
Allen, who reportedly checked into the Washington Hilton on Friday, the day before the event, was armed with multiple weapons. Authorities stated he was carrying a shotgun, a handgun, and knives when he approached a security checkpoint at the event venue. He is currently in custody and is declining to answer questions, though he allegedly made non-specific references to targeting administration officials.
Read More: Gunman Sent Manifesto Before White House Correspondents' Dinner Attack
Searches connected to Allen are underway in both Southern California and Washington, D.C. Authorities indicated that additional charges may follow as the investigation progresses.
Background: The incident prompted the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other prominent attendees from the annual dinner. President Trump himself had reportedly suggested rescheduling the event following the disturbance. He also shared an image of the suspect on social media.
Sources indicate Allen previously worked as a mechanical engineer at IJK Controls in South Pasadena and as a teaching assistant at Caltech. He is also reported to have a master's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, obtained last year. Online profiles suggest he studied mechanical engineering at the California Institute of Technology, graduating in 2017. Some law enforcement sources have noted the discovery of anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on social media accounts attributed to the suspect.
Read More: Shooting Near White House Gala: Trump Attended Event
