Investigators have identified a 31-year-old man from California as the suspected shooter in the incident near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where gunfire caused panic but no fatalities.
The suspect, Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, is believed to have acted alone and is facing multiple federal charges linked to firearms and the attack.
According to officials cited by The New York Times, Allen was taken into custody after attempting to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton. He was stopped near the screening area and ‘did not make it inside the large hotel ballroom’, where US President Donald Trump and hundreds of guests were gathered.
Authorities said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons and tried to push past security before being tackled. He fired several rounds before being subdued within the hotel complex, just meters from the ballroom.
Trump described the attacker as ‘a sick person’ and indicated early assessments pointed to a lone actor. He added that investigators were searching the suspect’s California resident, and examining his background.
“They seemed to think he’s a lone wolf, and I feel that too,” he said.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said prosecutors were preparing multiple charges tied to the shooting and firearm possession. He noted that the investigation had ‘just started’.
Federal agencies are executing search warrants and analysing ballistic evidence recovered at the scene.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents are examining ‘all the ballistics’ and interviewing witnesses, and urged public cooperation.
One Secret Service officer was injured after being struck in a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover.
Authorities are also probing how the suspect approached the secured checkpoint.
Further charges, including attempted murder and assault on a federal officer, have not been ruled out as the investigation continues.
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