The suspected gunman who tried to enter the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday evening will appear in court on Monday. The man is said to have been heavily armed, to have exchanged shots with Secret Service agents and possibly to have targeted President Donald Trump. What is already known about the suspect?
Ine Holmstock
Journalist at HLN
31 year old man from California
The man has now been identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen from California. He is said to have had several weapons with him and to have worn a bulletproof vest. According to local police, he had a pistol, a shotgun and several knives.
Exchange of shots at security checkpoint
Surveillance camera footage, which Trump later posted online on Truth Social, shows the suspect trying to storm through the security checkpoint. He attacked a security post in an attempt to enter the venue where the gala was taking place. Shots were then fired, after which a firefight with the Secret Service ensued.
An officer was injured. According to Trump, he was hit in his bulletproof vest and was taken to the hospital. The president stated that the officer is doing well.
Suspect not hit
The FBI said afterwards that the suspect himself was not injured during the incident. He was taken to hospital for observation.
“Shooter probably acted alone”
Trump stated that he had the impression that the suspect acted alone. The FBI also says it is currently assuming one shooter, but emphasizes that the investigation is still ongoing. FBI Director Kash Patel urged the public to share any information they can about the incident.
Investigators analyze ballistic evidence, examine a seized weapon and speak with witnesses. According to Patel, the background of the suspect will also be “thoroughly” investigated.
Was Trump the target?
Trump attended the Correspondents’ Dinner for the first time. When shots were fired outside the venue, he and Vice President JD Vance were immediately evacuated. Asked if he thinks he was targeted, Trump replied: “I think so.”
