Suspected gunman at Washington press dinner identified as 31-year-old Californian

The arrested suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was detained after shots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel.

Security officials reported Allen expressed intent to shoot officials in the Trump administration.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche mentioned that preliminary investigations suggested he likely targeted administration officials, including President Trump.

Evidence indicates Allen may have assembled the weapon in the hotel, and he was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.

Although he was not hit during the exchange of gunfire with security, he was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Allen, described as a mechanical engineer and game developer, has no party preference registered but previously donated to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.

He will face federal charges for using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer, with formal charges expected on Monday.