Washington, DC [US], April 26 (ANI): U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said Sunday that the suspect involved in the shooting incident and attempted security breach during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton appeared to be targeting members of the Trump administration, while emphasizing that the motive remains under investigation.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Blanche said preliminary findings indicate the suspect had specific intentions directed at government officials serving in President Donald Trump’s cabinet.
“We’re still looking to try to understand a motive. From our preliminary investigation, it does appear the suspect was targeting members of the administration,” Blanche said.
“We don’t have specifics yet about particular members of the administration, except that we do understand that that was his goal and his target,” he added.
Blanche said law enforcement agencies executed multiple search warrants overnight, including searches of electronic devices, and have interviewed individuals who knew the suspect.
According to Blanche, the suspect reportedly traveled from Los Angeles to Chicago and later reached Washington, DC, by train.
“We’re still investigating what we knew, if anything, about this individual. It appears that he purchased the two firearms that he had on him within the past couple of years. He had knives on him as well,” Blanche said.
He added that the suspect is expected to face federal charges soon.
“I expect he’ll be charged tomorrow morning in federal court with two counts in a complaint. We are not viewing him as cooperating necessarily right now,” Blanche said, noting that additional charges could follow as investigators continue to determine the motive.
The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, attended by President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and senior administration officials.
Officials said the U.S. Secret Service responded swiftly, taking one suspect into custody. Authorities confirmed that the president and all primary attendees were unharmed, though a security officer was injured during the response.
The annual event, which brings together media and political figures, was abruptly disrupted as security forces secured the area.
The situation unfolded when a 31-year-old man allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the entrance, with suspected gunshots prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Secret Service agents escorted Trump to safety.
According to CNN, the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, who is believed to be responsible for the incident that led to the evacuation of Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other cabinet members. (ANI)
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