United States authorities say a man accused of attempting to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was targeting President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration, as new details emerge about the suspect and the events surrounding the incident.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the suspect traveled from California to Washington, DC, by train, passing through Chicago before the attack.
Shots were fired near the ballroom on Saturday evening as Secret Service agents subdued the gunman while Trump, government officials, and journalists were attending the event.
One officer was shot and is recovering, while the suspect was taken into custody and later hospitalized for evaluation.
Authorities have not formally named the suspect, though multiple outlets identified him as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California.
Blanche said early examinations of the suspect’s writings and electronic devices indicate he intended to target administration officials, “likely including the president.”
Officials added that the suspect had legally purchased two firearms in recent years and is expected to face multiple federal charges.
Law enforcement said he has not been cooperative with investigators.
According to public records and social media profiles, Allen is a highly educated tutor and amateur video game developer with degrees in computer science and mechanical engineering.
He had worked for several years in college admissions counseling and test preparation.
Authorities said he sent a lengthy message to family members shortly before the attack, expressing political grievances and identifying himself as “Friendly Federal Assassin.”
Investigators described the document as containing a mix of political anger and religious themes.
Neighbors in Torrance reported a quiet residential setting as federal agents canvassed the area following the incident.
A former professor described Allen as a strong student who was attentive and polite, expressing shock at the allegations.
Trump, speaking after the incident, called the suspect “a sick guy” and cited the attack as justification for renewed calls to build a secure ballroom at the White House.
Despite the violence, the president also urged unity, framing the incident as part of broader tensions facing the country.