A 31-year-old gunman who opened fire at a security checkpoint outside the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was aiming to target members of US President Donald Trump’s administration, officials said, as new details emerged about the foiled attack.
The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as Cole Tomas Allen of California, told police he was after “administrative officials” attending a high-profile event at the Washington Hilton, The New York Post reported, citing sources.
Intention to hit officials
Sources cited by the Post said Allen was not targeting a specific individual, but intended to breach security and attack anyone associated with the administration.
“He was just trying to break his way in and take whoever he could,” one law enforcement source reportedly said.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the suspected motive to NBC News, saying the attacker appeared to be targeting officials “possibly including the president.”
Blanche, who confirmed the alleged motive, told the newspaper: “It seems that he actually decided to target people who work in the administration, probably including the president.”
The attack was thwarted by the Secret Service
The gunman who tried to attack the ballroom at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner traveled across the United States, officials said.
Blanche said investigators believe the suspect traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington, where he checked into the Washington Hilton, the site of the high-profile event.
The suspect allegedly attempted to storm the ballroom armed with firearms and knives, but was overpowered by security in a chaotic confrontation.
Rapid security response will prevent ‘national tragedy’
Deputy Director of the Secret Service Matthew Quinn said the attacker was trying to carry out a “national tragedy” but was immediately stopped by security personnel.
“He underestimated the protective capabilities of the US Secret Service,” Quinn said, emphasizing the effectiveness of the agency’s layered security measures.
At least one shot was fired during the incident, striking a Secret Service officer. Officials said the officer’s bulletproof vest stopped the bullet and he is expected to recover.
Chaos inside the ballroom
The shooting took place minutes into the event and sent shockwaves through the packed venue.
Trump was quickly escorted from the stage as security teams set up a protective perimeter. Outside, National Guard and law enforcement units swarmed the area as helicopters circled overhead.
The event, which was attended by senior officials and hundreds of journalists, was eventually canceled after the first attempt to go ahead.
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Weapons and backgrounds
Officials said the suspect purchased the firearms used in the attack in the past few years and is not cooperating with investigators. He is expected to face several federal charges.
Social media profiles believed to be linked to the suspect indicate he was:
-Lecturer and amateur video game developer
– Graduated from the California Institute of Technology
-Master’s degree holder from California State University, Dominguez Hills
An investigation is underway
Authorities continue to investigate the suspect’s movement, motives and how he managed to breach multiple layers of security at one of the most heavily secured events in Washington.
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