A man accused of attempting to attack the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner armed with guns and knives is due to stand trial on Monday (April 27) after a chaotic security breach in Washington.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who has been charged with crimes including assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
The incident took place on Saturday night when President Donald Trump attended the landmark event.
Gunfire erupted when the suspect attempted to breach security, prompting Secret Service agents to rush to contain the situation. Trump was escorted off the stage while guests hid under tables.
An officer wearing a bulletproof vest was hit but is expected to recover.
Suspect taken into custody
Allen was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody. Court documents detailing the full list of charges were not immediately available.
Authorities said it was unclear if he had legal representation. Attempts by the media to reach him or his family were unsuccessful.
Possible motive under investigation
The public prosecutor has not officially confirmed the motive. But investigators are looking into a message Allen allegedly sent to family members shortly before the attack.
In the report, he described himself as a “friendly federal assassin” and alluded to complaints related to the Trump administration’s actions.
Officials are also reviewing social media activity and interviewing relatives as part of the ongoing investigation.
Travel and planning details appear
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Allen is believed to have traveled by train from California to Chicago and then to Washington.
He reportedly checked into the hotel hosting the event as a guest, despite the tight security that usually surrounds the anniversary dinner.
Suspect background
Records indicate that Allen is a highly educated teacher and amateur video game developer.
A social media profile believed to belong to him indicates he worked part-time for several years at an admissions consulting and test preparation services company.
