A gunman armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives attempted to breach a security checkpoint during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington on Saturday evening, prompting Secret Service agents to rush President Donald Trump from the ballroom. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, was taken into custody after an exchange of gunfire and is set to appear in federal court on Monday. Blanche stated the suspect was not cooperating and that investigators believe he traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago, then to Washington, and had purchased the weapons in recent years. Surveillance footage released by Trump showed the suspect trying to sprint past security at the Washington Hilton, where the black-tie event was held.
The venue hosted top officials including Vice President JD Vance, cabinet members, lawmakers, and First Lady Melania Trump. Chaos erupted as guests dove under tables during the incident. One officer was struck at close range but appeared unharmed. Blanche said early findings suggest the suspect intended to target administration members, though no motive has been established. FBI agents searched a residence linked to Allen in Torrance on Sunday. Trump described the suspect as a "lone wolf" and called the venue "not particularly secure." The Washington Hilton was the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.
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