Federal authorities are preparing charges against a California man accused of attempting an armed attack during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, an incident that prompted the evacuation of top government officials and renewed concerns over political violence in the United States.
Officials identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California. Prosecutors said he is expected to face charges including assaulting a federal officer, discharging a firearm, and attempting to kill a federal officer, with additional counts possible.
Authorities said Allen entered the Washington Hilton, where the black-tie event was being held, carrying multiple weapons. Investigators said he fired a shotgun at a U.S. Secret Service agent at a security checkpoint before being tackled and arrested.
The wounded agent avoided serious injury because the bullet struck a protective vest, according to officials.
Among those rushed from the scene were Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and several Cabinet members.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the president and senior administration officials were likely intended targets.
Investigators said the suspect traveled to Washington by Amtrak after leaving Los Angeles and Chicago, checking into the hotel on Friday. Authorities also said he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and several knives.
According to the report, Allen sent a manifesto to family members shortly before the incident. Officials said the document described plans to target administration officials and mocked hotel security procedures. Family members had reportedly raised concerns to law enforcement before the attack.
Little was immediately known about the suspect’s background. The White House Correspondents’ Association said it would review next steps for the annual dinner, which Trump has asked to be rescheduled within 30 days.
Security reviews are expected in the aftermath of the attempted attack as federal investigators continue examining the suspect’s motives, travel history and whether anyone else had prior knowledge of the plan.
Source: BBC